What does it take to build a business that connects African investors to opportunities beyond their borders? For Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu, it takes ambition, credibility, strategic relationships and the willingness to explore opportunities beyond familiar territory.
As the CEO of Lifecard Investment Company Nigeria and Lifecard Dubai, Grace has established herself in the international investment and real estate industry, helping individuals and businesses access global investment opportunities, expand their operations and explore residency and citizenship options.
Her journey into entrepreneurship, however, began long before international business engagements. From selling palm oil with her mother to trading fairly used clothes after university and NYSC, she explored several ventures before discovering real estate through an encounter with a former classmate. That experience introduced her to the possibilities of asset ownership and wealth creation, eventually inspiring her to establish Lifecard in 2019.
Today, her professional achievements include being recognised as Azizi Developments’ No. 1 African Real Estate Investment Partner and becoming a member of the Forbes Business Council.
Yet, building a name in an industry traditionally dominated by men has come with its own challenges. Grace speaks openly about having to establish her credibility in rooms where women are not always given the same benefit of the doubt. Rather than wait for access, she learnt to build her own networks, develop strategic relationships and let the results of her work speak for themselves.
Her experience has also influenced how she approaches opportunities for other women. Through mentorship, hiring and promoting women on merit, she is committed to creating room for more women to participate in leadership and decision-making.
These experiences make her perspective particularly relevant to this year’s 18th Global ELOY Conference, themed The Power of Being Seen: Visibility as a Global Tool for Women’s Empowerment.
For Grace, visibility has been instrumental in expanding her professional reach and establishing credibility. Through international conferences, industry engagements, media features and strategic partnerships, she has created opportunities to connect with investors and business leaders. However, she believes visibility must be supported by competence, integrity and measurable results.
At the conference, her perspective will also bring attention to the relationship between visibility, access and financial independence. She believes women must move beyond earning an income to understanding investments, acquiring assets and building wealth that can benefit future generations. She is particularly passionate about seeing more women become investors, business owners and decision-makers rather than remaining on the sidelines of important financial conversations.
Her advice to women seeking international opportunities is to develop their expertise, communicate their value and build relationships that can open doors. Women do not have to relocate to establish globally relevant businesses; they need the knowledge, positioning and strategic connections to participate in opportunities beyond their immediate markets.
As one of the speakers at the 18th Global ELOY Conference, Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu brings a valuable perspective on what it means for women to be visible in business, access global opportunities and build lasting financial influence.
Join Grace and other distinguished speakers on 27 November 2026 as they explore how visibility can translate into greater access, influence and empowerment for women.
Are You One of the 600?
The ELOY x SARA 600 Initiative is an opportunity to connect with women, expand your professional network and strengthen your visibility.
Take your place among the 600 women committed to being seen, recognised and empowered.
Be Seen. Be Positioned. Be Ready.
