Hi Nnena

Thought of you last week. Its this time last year, I heard you had passed. It's not fair that I cant talk to you. One last time.

Nnena I’m sitting here at Sinai and think of you. It’s taken me a while to write something here but I felt like this was the right moment.

It is true that the best are taken first from us.

What struck me at your funeral was how your family all spoke about your sort of pioneering approach to finding some delicious slice of the universe to explore.

I remember our long phone calls as I sat in ArtCafe, chatting with you in Dubai or New York or wherever you happened to be. I remember not knowing what our first meeting would be like - you had offered to mentor me - totally out of the blue and with such spontaneous generosity. And the meeting was just as expected from kind stranger offering help and kindness: a whimsical encounter on the upper floor of the best cookie shop on the upper west side, talking about all things about all things - business and books and friendships and love. It was special and we stayed in touch (duh).

We explored other delicious slices of the universe that you had dreamed up. They were wonderful and you were wonderful and you always caught the right moment in the conversation to dig deeper and really help me understand something in a better way. And you really cared and made sure to pay attention and bring that insight to my attention. I knew you had my back and wanted me to succeed in the world.

It was so special having you at my parents for my birthday when you were in Englewood visiting. You made the effort and my parents adored you. They felt like wow - Arielle has some cool friends after they met you. They were just so impressed by your poise and insights and generosity.

And I carry your energy with me and I think it’s been making the world around me a better place and I really thank you for that. Your memory is a blessing to us all.

For over 25 years you gave me the gift of a true friendship, I was certain was ours for decades more.

You were thoughtful, and I was touched by your generosity.

I was in awe of your work ethic, and it will continue to influence me.

I was inspired by your dreams, and they will continue to motivate me.

I was enlightened by your curiosity and emboldened by your bravery, which will continue to make me challenge myself.

Forever missed, never forgotten, you blessed me and my life with your delightful and delighted spirit.

I miss you greatly and love you always, my dear dear friend.

I met Nnena for the first time in June 2016 when I joined DiGAME where she was a core member of the investing team. We worked very closely for the next 3 years I was at DiGAME and over the years she became a very close friend; more like a big sister. Whenever we would travel for work we would dedicate a day to explore cities together, try out new cuisines and would always have a list of places/activities ready for me if Id travel somewhere she’d been before. Even when I changed jobs we would still catch up regularly and always meet when she’d be in Abu Dhabi. In fact it was all because of her that we always stayed in touch. She would always send warm wishes on different occasions, asking about kids and so on. We used to talk about anything and everything from food, health, spirituality, tennis, various deals she was working on and plans to participate in marathons across the world (which we would both know none of us were serious about). Last I met her was end of last Nov in Abu Dhabi over lunch and we bonded over topics which we sort of avoided previously (work-related). It was a very surreal meet where we shared our vulnerabilities both professional and personal, which we had not done before. And then we went for a long walk before I dropped her off to her next meeting. I told her that next time she is in Abu Dhabi we will have lunch at my place so that she can try homemade Pakistani food provided she can take the heat. We tentatively booked Dec 7 in our calendars provided if she can get some meetings booked in the region. My son had a surgery a few days after we met and she was one of the first people who messaged on the day and next day of the surgery. Dec 7 came and passed but I didn’t hear from her and I was busy with my son’s recovery but she was constantly in the back of my mind. Needless to say when I heard the news I was in an utter shock. I couldn’t believe for weeks that such a kind person is no more among us. My deepest condolences to her family. I will miss you dearly Nnena. Rest in peace my dear friend. May God bless your soul abundantly.

I met Nnena on a rainy night at a restaurant in London after a mutual friend from New York had called to tell her that I - a complete stranger - was in distress. Nnena dropped everything to walk into that restaurant to counsel the tearful face of a lost and defeated unknown.   She left, I am blessed to say, as one of my dearest friends.  That dinner with her was integral to my moving on and forward to Dubai where I have lived for the past 11 years. 

I could end this tribute right here.  Rescuing a total stranger on a rainy weekday to sort out her life is all that needs to be said to underscore all of the things Nnena embodied; boundless love, empathy and the wisdom and willingness to take over the reins of whatever needs doing because - let's face it - she was better at driving most everything forward than the rest of us.  

A few years after that night she moved to the middle east to begin her business ventures in the region.  I had the good fortune to be her first guide to Dubai, a role I barely held on to for a month before she outpaced my knowledge in everything from real estate, shopping, to new spas, to the best gyms, and new restaurants that "were the hook up" and ones that "were definitely not". 

Our adventures through the streets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi - on the rare times she wasn't traveling for work - will live with me forever.  They would often begin with a phone call: "Hey, so I woke up this morning and you know what I realize? I don't really have  the perfect robe.  You know, just for the comfortable at-home hang..."  And off we would go in search of that perfect robe, or christmas present or perfect green jalabiya.  We would end those days in some gorgeous cafe she had found on her last 30 hour layover in Abu Dhabi or with our feet in sand, drink in hand discussing legal developments in the UAE or in my living room howling over her latest travel story.

I saw her recently for a quick lunch at a cafe in between meetings.  She was jetting off the next day and I was getting ready for a quick trip to Bahrain and we always made it a habit to check back in with each other before long periods of distance.  

We talked as we always talked; What are we eating, UAE is granting dual citizenship, I am pretty sure I am going to pass on the vegan cheese, Bahrain has some of the best abayas should I bring some back?, Should we do appetizers?, Dubai is breaking beneath this expo nonsense, I would like to see your tea menu, rents here are becoming insane, Elizabeth, kale is your friend, This isn't a tea menu, Nnena, nope, no not tasting your kombucha...

Time was ticking by.  We both had places to be so we jumped up to collect our things.

"Bye!" her car was outside and she was late so she was already hurrying out the door, back to me hand in the air as a goodbye,

"Babe" I called out  "Don't forget I have that thing in Abu Dhabi,  We really want you there so can you put it in your schedule?.."

"Not sure", she was walking through the front door "will know more after this meeting",  Climbing the stairs to the waiting car she blew a kiss with a big smile, "Love you!".  

I love you too Nnena.

I remember Nnena vividly from my first days at Groton and the impact she had on me. She was one of the few upperclassmen who took the time to get to know me and genuinely cared about how I was doing. It meant the world to me, especially being an awkward 14-year-old Southern kid with a thick accent. I met Nnena my Freshman fall through her brother Andrew, and I remember how kind and caring she was towards me from then on. She always made time for a chat, and was one of the people I looked up to the most at Groton, both on account of her warmth and her dynamic character. Having her as a friend really helped me adjust to life away from home; I felt like she went out of her way to make me feel welcome there, and she succeeded. At a school where people talked a lot about ideals and character, Nnena was one of the few who really exemplified and practiced them in her life, even at that young age. It was a place full of incredible people, and she was the best of us -- a lively and brilliant teenager that made me want to be a better person. Looking back, I think Nnena was an old soul; someone who was far wiser than most of the high school kids around her (myself included). I'm not surprised to learn that she went on to do such amazing things in her life and change so many people's lives for the better, all around the world, but the sheer enormity of her accomplishments and the breadth of her work is awe-inspiring. She was a truly incandescent spirit who literally went out and made the world a better place. She certainly made my teenage world a better place. The older I get, the more I realize just how rare such people are in life. I feel lucky to have known her, and I'm grateful for the kindness and warmth she gave to me. My heart and deepest condolences go out to Andrew and the rest of the Nkongho family for the loss of their beloved sister and daughter. She will never be forgotten.

Is there a replay of Nnena memorial service? I would like to watch it please.

I met Nnena when she lived in London in the early 2000s. (Was it so long ago?!) It was a fun time to work in finance in London - we quickly became friends - it is hard not to be friends with Nnena. She had vitality about her that drew people in. When she left London, we saw each other less and less. The last time we met, we had such a lovely time catching up. I dragged her to my favourite Lebanese restaurant in London. It was hard to keep up with all the places she was working and had been. Its only now that I realise all the amazing things she was upto professionally and personally. I find it hard to believe that will be the last time. I feel angry that no one told me that would be the last time. At a very critical point in my life, Nnena reached out to me to help and offer encouragement. I can see her smile and hear her voice.

I was a young boy, new to Groton School, when I met Nnena through her brother, Andrew. She immediately was the big sister I'd never knew how badly I'd wanted. She was a voice of reason, wisdom, calm, and much correction that was well deserved. But she was also a voice of consistent joy, needed reassurance, and inspiring encouragement. Nnena was a genuine and quality person of drive and ability, who stood always in my mind as a paragon of kindness and maturity. It saddens me to know I will not see her again and my heart breaks for her family. Such a brilliant light in the lives of so many, gone too soon. Thank you, Nnena, and the entire Nkongho family for enriching my life.

Nnena and I became fast friends when we worked together at SOLO Phone in 2004, and over the years, we stayed in close contact even after work and life took us on separate paths.

You had a brilliant mind, and I sometimes wondered how one person could be so knowledgeable about so many different things. You had character and integrity - I remember you always said, “ar the end of the day, all i have is my word” and I can personally attest that you built your life on that truth.

Nnena, you were also very funny and mischievous - there was never a dull moment around you! I will miss your infectious laugh and that wink, wink look you would give when you were about to do or say something very cheeky! Lol!

But what I remember most about you was your kindness and generosity. I was a recipient and beneficiary of your uncommon kindness, and my biggest regret now is that I didn’t do enough to let you know how much I appreciated all that you did for me.

My dear friend Nnena, I cannot believe I am writing this tribute to you. I was privileged to watch the livestream of your memorial service today which means I can no longer be in denial about your sudden departure. Even so, it is still surreal that you are no longer with us in the earthly realm. I take comfort in the knowledge that you have transitioned to a higher plane where there is no sorrow or pain, and that you are now at Home with the Lord.

Rest in peace my dearest Nnena. I will remember you with love always.

Nnena had a wonderful laugh, engaging smile and kind eyes. She struck me as being someone who was very empathetic and kind. I met her some years back, but got to know her a lot better more recently and it was clear to me that she was a woman of extreme grace and ability. There was a nurturing aura about her that was extremely comforting g and warm. She left me with many lessons and a desire to be a better person. Nnena will be sorely missed.

The team at Nubuke Investments LLP are deeply saddened and shocked at the sudden loss of Nnena. We have followed her career after she left and kept in touch over the years. The qualities of fearless dedication to her work, high integrity and passion for her sector continued to follow her throughout her career. This is what attracted us to her and she was a fantastic and exemplary employee and a role model to many and we are proud to call her a friend. She will be sorely missed. Tutu, Peter, Thairu, Titus and Gordon...

Life is one big risk one never knows how much of it one has or when, where how it will end. Living life is a daily choice. Nnena made good choices, not just for herself but for many of us. Our lives are richer because of hers. To a life well lived MHSRIEP

Dearest Nnena
I am still in shock that you are not with us. My first encounter with you was at the first module where you were curious about Sri Lanka and the Entrepreneurial opportunities there. We shared many memorable moments as a class over the last few years at the Fellowship which we will cherish. We had a fair share of zoom calls and what’s app calls looking at companies that would come my way in Africa, your input and thoughts were always valuable. That’s why you were known as the ever willing class mate who was happy to share your time and thoughts, not only with us but our wider circle.
You leave with us many memories and most of all your subtle manner in checking up on us, caring for us and being there with us. You are one of a kind. Until we meet again. Your ever friend Nathan

Dear Nnena, I wish we had more time together. I miss you and will cherish our memories together - seeing your big smile at every Kauffman module, receiving a hand-written letter from you, catching up for healthy lunches in Singapore, your open invitations to yoga or tennis or jjimjilbang in LA, bonding over the struggles of an emerging fund manager, sharing scripture verses to encourage each other … my very last memory of you is of us praying together over zoom, asking God fill our hearts with His peace and presence. May you rest in peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Thank you for being an inspiration and a true friend to all of us. Love you.

Long ago I had the privilege of helping Nena move while she was in college. I had no idea at the time I was helping someone that would become so powerful and influencial in the African Tech Ecosystem. She was kind, great to talk to, down to earth and great with Kids...or at least mine. I recall being at a wedding and my 17 month old was completely unconsolable. Nena asked if she could hold my crying toddler, all she did was smile at my kid and all the tears went away.

Rest in Peace Queen

I am in shock at this loss. Nnena was always an amazing woman, as were her siblings whom I have known and been proud to know. I met Nnena at Groton, the boarding school we both attended. I was in the same class as her outstanding brother, Andrew, and lived in the same dorms as her ebullient sister, Ndiya. I am so proud to call them all friends. I don't know what happened, and I regret deeply I did not connect with Nnena as an adult. I think of the Nkonghos as totally indomitable and ever-present. I never would have thought we could lose one.

Nenna Nkongoho was one the greatest champions of the African ecosystem, as a VC, Leader, Pioneer and hands down one of its smartest players. She was a great mentor, friend and peer. In an ecosystem of only a handful of giants she stood tall among them. She will be missed.

I have known Nnena for over a decade thorough the African private equity investment circles. Anyone who knows her knows she is smart, insightful and fun. She was so alive! So bubbly. So driven. Her passion for Africa and her love for her native Nigeria never clouded her to the reality of the situation on the ground but, neither did that dishearten her

We met many times in many different cities and she would always know the best spot for coffee. She was a proper authority. The first time I met her in London I knew I had to do something special. I took her here - https://www.the-attendant.com/pages/fitzrovia

If you are in London it is close to Oxford Circus. Pop in and have a coffee and try to imagine her reaction. I will happily meet you there to share a coffee and remember her.

I am so saddened by Nnena's passing, she was a leading light in the African tech investment community.

I remember the first time I met Nnena. We were at the speaker’s room at SuperReturn Africa and much like me she had wangled her way into a speaking slot as we definitely couldn’t afford a paid-for registration. Like any good entrepreneur building a fund management business, we were both cramming in some deal work on our laptops in-between the networking and fundraising. We laughed about the hustle and I recognised a fellow traveller.

Nnena had that fighting spirit, the one that you need as an emerging manager, as a woman leader in VC/PE, as a long-time promoter of technology investing and as an investor set on making the African continent shine. She reinforced my own fight. I did not know Nnena well but I know what it takes to do what she has done, and it is immense and powerful and painful. By all accounts Nnena did it brilliantly – she was the epitome of determination, grinding hard work, intelligence, deep compassion and passion.

Nnena truly went to bat for the founder teams she worked with, including one of our portfolio companies with whom she was in advanced stages of the investment process with at Otundi. They had formed a very close relationship from many months working together and Nnena had brought value to the business even prior to investing.

Nnena still had so much to offer and achieve and our industry is far worse off without her. But in that is the call for us to re-commit to all she believed in and see it through in her honour.

Rest in peace Nnena and much strength and light to your family, near and dear friends and colleagues.

So sad to hear the news. This is heartbreaking. Nnena and I were not super close in school, but to my surprise she reached out to me to proactively offer timely and much-needed tips on how to survive the American corporate world. I still remember some of her tips to this day. From that moment on I knew she had a big heart. One small example of how she has made a huge impact on people in her life.

Condolences to her family and friends. What a great loss.

I knew Nnena in the late 90's when she was living in Hong Kong working for Morgan Stanley. We were part of a young, close-knit, ambitious group of friends who shared so many amazing experiences together. Nnena was a force of nature who was always looking to start a new project or go on a new adventure. She made everything look easy and was always ready with a smile or laugh. One of my favorite memories is when we went to Koh Samui in Thailand together and took a Thai cooking class. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Her passing comes with such deep shock and sadness, its truly hard to imagine the world without Nnena in it. My condolences to the Nkongho family. My heart aches with this news.

I met you twenty years ago through my sister Carmen. Though we hadn't seen each other since you left London, we kept updated on each other's lives through my sister. I always loved hearing about your new projects and admired your courage and generosity. The news of your passing has come as a terrible shock and you have been constantly in my thoughts since then. Your infectious laughter, brilliant sense of humour and warmth will always stay with me and I feel privileged to have known you. May you rest in peace. My deepest condolences to your family.

I can not believe I’m writing this tribute for someone whom I have met recently and yet she has filled my life with so much kindness. She has shown so much care and encouragement as if she has been rooting for my success forever. Her kindness and value towards life was selfless and I felt devastated when I heard her news. It was a personal loss to me and to our entire venture capital community. I remember her spending more than an hour on a call encouraging me to take endeavors in venture capital which I thought was out of my reach. We first connected when she was featured as a solo GP in my She-VC DEI platform. I give my condolences to her family and friends. I believe she will be a continuing guiding forces in our lives. Rest in power Nnena.

It saddened and shocked me to hear of Nnena's passing. Only spoke to Nnena 3 times over the past year but totally recognize what others are saying about her warmth, her ambition for African women and her humanity. Spoke to Nnena just a few weeks ago about her hopes, challenges and dreams. It was a real and honest connection which I will cherish.

It's really hard to believe that Nnena is no longer with us. She was the best of us. She had so much heart and was always ready to lift us up. She had big dreams to build a fund and advance a region. Absolutely heartbroken that she’s gone…

A few moments really stand out:

Earlier this year, Nnena told me about her pandemic activities of playing tennis, cycling on a Peloton, all in preparation for "summer girl bod" post pandemic, which she said with a mischievous grin. She was laughing and looked so carefree. She also sang praises for restorative yoga and urged me to try. I'll try it to honor her memory.

One time, I was sitting on the ground half listening to the speaker because I was distraught about something at work. Nnena noticed me and asked me what's going on. Then she shared stories and gave me courage and a confidence boost. Half a year later and into a new job, I saw her again and she was so happy for me that I was doing much better. I'll never forget that Nnena gave me the courage I needed at my lowest point.

Nnena was an inspiration for all of us. May she rest in power.

I'm so sorry to hear of Nnena's passing. We first connected about ten years ago in yoga and meditation trainings together at a Pure yoga in NY. The studio had lots of comfy nooks to hang out and I have fond memories of time spent in between classes chatting and laughing with Nnena. Her authenticity, generosity of spirit and sharp wit are as memorable as they are rare. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.

The news of Nnena’s passing came as, and still is, a terrible shock. She was (hmmmm!!) one of the kindest people I ever met and we grew to be good friends so easily. We had many conversations about our faith and truly iron sharpened iron. We also talked about her dreams and aspirations for the development of Nigeria and the continent of Africa, which she took active and tangible steps to realise. I will miss her hearty laugh, love for humanity both great and small. Nnena, you remain a shining star and even though you are no longer here (our loss and God’s gain), your light will continue to shine in our hearts. Rest in peace my sister from another mother. I pray that God will comfort your parents, siblings and all of us and I thank Him for sharing you with us - it was a privilege.

Nnena was truly one of a kind. It was hard to come across someone with a more positive attitude and perspective on life. Each time we were together at Kauffman Fellows modules you could sense her great enthusiasm to be together, share market insights, learn from one another, encourage one another to excel, and have a great time. I still remember receiving a handwritten holiday card from her during the first year of our Kauffman Fellowship. It was so heartfelt, real, and thoughtful. It truly touched me the care and time she put into writing those to each one of us in our class. Over the years, we always found time to chat and catch up at the modules. When we were in Dubai in early 2020, she felt such pride to be helping to host us in her town and wanted us to make sure we all had a great experience, which we all did. This past module, which was only 7 weeks before her passing, was really a special opportunity together as our class was a small group and Nnena was truly the anchor of our group’s time together making sure we all bonded and reconnected after so much time apart due to the pandemic. Before sharing any updates from her side, she always wanted to hear what each of us was up to in order to offer a helping hand or words of encouragement. She was a truly special and selfless individual. I am confident that even though she is no longer with us that he light is shining that much brighter as we all help carry on her passions and legacy.

Nnena, mi gran amiga, I still can’t believe that I won’t be able to hear your mischievous ‘hola', again, which you made your own through your unique and so much better sounding pronunciation and which always came with the biggest of smiles.
We first met when you moved to London, over 20 years ago. Your friendship immediately blew me away and taught me so much... with your generosity, your ongoing thirst for adventure, your incredible curiosity, your deep knowledge of everything old and new and your experience of a world that at times seemed foreign to me, but you always helped me navigate since then. Through your generosity and your frequent acts of kindness you often showed me how to be a good friend, but also how we could all contribute to a fairer and kinder society. I never stopped learning from you and always looked forward to seeing you, as we would almost certainly always have a huge laugh, but also a great discussion about everything and nothing in particular.
My family also misses you… you charmed them all from the first moment they met you and my parents would always look forward to our joint dinners when they were visiting. You managed to wrap my Dad around your little finger with a few words of Spanish and heavy dose of charm and attention, I am sure he’ll be looking after you now, wherever you are.
I feel incredibly lucky and also inmensly grateful to have met you and to have been able to call you a friend for over two decades, which doesn’t seem to be nearly long enough. I will treasure my memories forever and only wish I would have been able to have more time with you.
Rest in peace, amiga. Me acordare de ti para siempre.

I had not seen Nnena for many years when we reconnected at the Groton 25th reunion in 2016. I was so delighted to see her, and not at all surprised that she was doing such amazing things investing in Africa's future. She seemed to me such a citizen of the world, as comfortable in Lagos as London, Dubai as New York. I remember many mellow weekend afternoons talking, laughing, gossiping, discussing books, procrastinating on our homework, and eating microwave popcorn with Nnena on the floor of our Second Form prefect Jenny Granducci's room. Her wonderful deep laughter will be with me always. My deepest condolences to her wonderful family. May her memory be a blessing.

I miss you. I love you. There is just so much to say about you and so much more to share with you. You are forever a part of me. I just love you my dear, dear friend. Promise to share something better, I promise. This is for you.

We had not seen one another since I was still in high school and she was in college, but I have always remembered Nnena as one of the kindest people I ever met. I am so very sorry to the wonderful Nkongho family.

I last saw Nnena in Dubai, where she was full of life and we talked as if we had never been apart. She and I met volunteering, helping young people who wanted a career in finance. She was always so thoughtful and kind with her mentees and was much admired. I can’t believe she is gone - what a loss for the world…

I met Nnena five years ago when she joined the DiGAME team. Nnena was such a kind, energetic, and thoughtful soul. Whenever she came into the office in London, she sat directly across from me and I always enjoyed her presence. I knew when she was there I would not get much work done as she loved to talk , but I enjoyed our conversations, both those that were serious about depth of the African tech ecosystem and those more lighthearted about her yoga schedule or what restaurant in London we should try. Not only was she a lovely person, but she was a force in everything she did and was trying to do for companies, founders, women, etc. She was passionate in everything she did.

I feel very fortunate that I met Nnena and had the honour of knowing her. She was the kind of person that you never forget and that made a mark on people's lives, even if she only briefly met them. I'm so sorry her life ended so early as I know she could have and would have done so much more, but she made quite an impact while she was here. I know she will be sorely missed be so many. I will certainly miss her.

A profound loss of a dear friend. Nnena was an intrepid and fearless person. I met Nnena in London around 2005 volunteering and we never lost contact since then with the changing cities/continents/careers/jobs. She made others better as she expanded boundaries of what you thought you knew. With her voracious love of knowledge and information, she was a maven for many. She was generous. She shared of her time, energy and advice.  We could discuss career challenges, holiday hot spots or finding the most flavorful beef recipe in a new cookbook. Each conversation impactful.   I will miss her. My heartfelt condonlences to her family and loved ones. Rest in peace and power, my friend. No more huzzlin'.  

I met Nnena 5 years ago in Cape Town, and she has been one of the most important people in my professional development ever since.
From a mentor, she also became a friend, and advisor, a confidant.
I am profoundly grateful for all the countless hours that she has selflessly spent to help me figure things out, solve problems, strategize, and grow.
Every hour I spent with her would equate to months of accelerated development, thanks to the right blend that she always brought, between validating me and challenging me at the same time.
She is the one who pushed me to pursue a vision that later gave birth to Satgana. She believed in me when I sometimes didn't. I wish all entrepreneurs out there to find their own Nnena.
She was kind, smart, generous and heart-centered.
If anything, as I have been told by another dear friend and business partner, I should honour her by making this company as successful as she believed it will become.
Thank you for everything Nnena. You'll leave a hole in my life and those around you. Rest in peace. Much love.