Zain Asher

CNN International Anchor, Journalist, Keynote Speaker, Author of ‘Where the Children Take Us’, Advisory Council Member for Action Against Hunger & Oxford University Honorary Fellow

Zain Asher’s Biography:

Zain Asher is a celebrated British-born CNN International anchor and a compelling keynote speaker whose story has inspired audiences worldwide. Recognised for presenting ‘One World with Zain Asher’, she delivers global news with intelligence, warmth and integrity. As a keynote speaker, Zain connects powerfully with UK audiences, drawing on her deeply personal journey and global career to deliver talks that are both thought-provoking and profoundly uplifting. She regularly speaks on resilience, leadership, diversity and achieving success against the odds.

Her career began with a degree in French and Spanish from Oxford University, followed by a master’s in journalism from Columbia University in New York. Zain started in local journalism at News 12 Networks in 2010, moving on to write a column for Money Magazine in 2012. She joined CNN in 2013 as a national correspondent and soon became a familiar face as an anchor on CNN Newsroom by 2014. That same year, her reporting on the Boko Haram kidnappings earned CNN a prestigious Peabody Award. Zain went on to lead a special broadcast for CNN’s Freedom Project in 2017 and joined the advisory council for Action Against Hunger in 2019. By 2021, she was hosting ‘One World with Zain Asher’, becoming a key voice in international news. Her interview with Nigerian presidential adviser Daniel Bwala in 2025 highlighted her continued relevance in global affairs.

Why Hire Zain Asher?

Zain’s achievements stretch beyond television. In 2021, she was named an Honorary Fellow of Keble College, Oxford University. Her immensely popular memoir, ‘Where the Children Take Us’, was published in 2022 and shares the powerful story of her mother’s determination to raise four successful children after losing her husband. Zain’s partnership with the GEANCO Foundation ensured that proceeds from her book supported education initiatives across Africa. Her keynote at the 2023 Action Against Hunger Gala in New York and her viral TEDx Talk ‘Trust Your Struggle’, with over 2.3 million views, further cement her status as a respected voice for empowerment and change.

Zain Asher stands out as a keynote speaker in London for her unique blend of personal experience, journalistic excellence and inspirational storytelling. Her talks challenge and uplift, offering practical insights and emotional resonance on topics like overcoming adversity, embracing cultural identity and striving for excellence. Audiences across corporate, educational and non-profit sectors have praised her authenticity and energy. Enquire now through The London Keynote Speakers Agency to bring Zain Asher to your next London event and experience the impact of her story first-hand.

Zain Asher’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Zain Asher’s incredible career:

• 2025 – Interviewed Nigerian presidential adviser Daniel Bwala about U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation
• 2023 – Keynote at the Action Against Hunger Gala in New York
• 2022 – Published her first book, ‘Where the Children Take Us’ 
• 2022 – Partnered with the GEANCO Foundation to donate proceeds from her books towards improving education across Africa 
• 2021 – Awarded Honorary Fellow by Keble College, Oxford University
• 2021 – Anchor of One World with Zain Asher on CNN International
• 2019 – Advisory council member for Action Against Hunger 
• 2017 – Anchored a three-day special as part of CNN’s Freedom Project
• 2015 – TEDx Euston Talk – Trust Your Struggle, which has 2.3 million views 
• 2014 – Peabody Award for her coverage of the Boko Haram kidnapping incident