A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence
Adesuwa Rhodes is changing the face of investing and entrepreneurship in Africa one investment at a time
Adesuwa is a leading investment professional and CEO with over 14 years of experience in investment banking and private equity in developed and emerging markets across a number of sectors including healthcare, financial services, technology and consumer goods. Adesuwa is an entrepreneur, CEO, mother, investor and women’s empowerment advocate. She is one of the youngest female private equity fund managers running her own fund in Africa, having launched her fund at 29 years old. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Aruwa Capital Management, one of the few women owned and led private equity funds in Africa investing into untapped investment opportunities in West Africa in the small to lower mid-market. Adesuwa is focused on using Aruwa Capital Management’s investments as a case study to make the business case to invest in women as fund managers, entrepreneurs, consumers and stakeholders in society. Adesuwa is a mission driven pioneer on a mission to unlock the power of private capital as a catalyst for change in her environment.
Learn More"I am on a mission to unlock the untapped potential of women as capital allocators, consumers, founders, board members, suppliers and across all levels of society, to unlock enhanced financial returns and positive social impact."
~ Adesuwa Rhodes
I had the privilege of attending the 13th Annual Women in Private Capital Dinner, hosted by Runa Alam of DPI in partnership with PEWIN, alongside accomplished female leaders and executives from around the globe. The evening’s discussions were both inspiring and insightful, covering macroeconomic trends, geopolitical dynamics, and the resilience of private capital managers in turning challenges into opportunities.
It was indeed an unforgettable evening for me, to be called up to the podium 4 times as Aruwa Capital emerged winners of the most awards at the 12th Annual PEA Awards in London. Being celebrated on such a prestigious platform reaffirms the transformative vision we’ve championed over the last five years. This milestone is a testament to the collective effort of our incredible team in Lagos, the trust of our p artners, and the unwavering support of a community that believes in the power of purpose-driven investments. These awards are more than accolades; they symbolise the journey we’ve undertaken to drive inclusive growth and lasting impact across Africa.
I had the pleasure of attending the Private Equity Africa Leading Ladies Lunch, a gathering of nominees for the 2024 Leading Lady Award, held in Clifford Chance, London ahead of the PEA Awards. Sharing the room with trailblazing women like Ann Wyman, Senior Partner, AfricInvest, Françoise Chan, Executive Director, Intercontinental Trust Joy Chakanyuka, Chief Financial Officer, DPI, Isata Jawara- Client & Market Development, Clifford Chance and Montserrat Petit, Head of Marketing & Comms, Mediterrania Capital Partners was truly inspiring. Hosted by Gail Mwamba, Editor, Private Equity Africa, the lunch provided a meaningful platform to reflect on the strides women are making in shaping the future of private equity across Africa and beyond.
It was a pleasure to attend the Africa Prosperity Summit, hosted by Ventures Platform, under the theme “Funding the Next Billion: Africa’s VC Investment Landscape in a Post-ZIRP Era.” On a key panel tagged “Gender Lens Investing”, alongside Biola Alabi, General partner, Acadia ventures, Maria Rotilu, Founding partner, Openseed VC and moderator Dolapo Morgan, Snr. Investment Associate, Ventures Platform, we explored how investing in women-led businesses drives financial returns and catalyses innovation and social impact across Africa.
I had the pleasure of attending the Food and Energy Security Conference, co-hosted by NSIA, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), White & Case LLP, and Afrexim bank. The event brought together stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s food and energy resilience. A key highlight was the signing of an MoU between NSIA and AFC to co-develop cold chain and dry storage facilities—an essential move for bolstering Nigeria’s food value chain.
It was a pleasure to represent Aruwa Capital at the 2nd West Africa Deal Summit, which held at the Civic Centre, Lagos. On Day 1, I showcased Aruwa’s investment journey at the Impact Fund Showcase and joined a panel led by Lamide Adeosun of Kuramo Capital, to discuss fund mechanisms and sustainable growth in West Africa. On Day 2 was equally impactful as I delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Aruwa Capital and presented the award to the 2024 Impact Investor of the Year and award which Aruwa won in 2023.
Honoured to have spoken at Barclays Private Bank’s “Psychology of Investing” event, held at Gaia Africa House in Lagos. Alongside Catherine Fisher, Alex Joshi, Urvi Shah, and Alia Malik, we explored the evolving role of women as wealth custodians in family businesses, the unique psychology of investing, and the behavioural biases that influence financial decisions. It was a thought-provoking evening, delving into themes that underscore the pivotal role of women in advancing purposeful and impactful investments.
I was honoured to join the FCDO Women’s Network Women’s Week celebration, hosted by Deputy British High Commissioner, Gill Lever, to discuss “The Prospects of Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship.” Alongside my fellow panelist Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, we explored some of the most pressing challenges women face in leadership and access to capital, highlighting the critical steps needed to create more inclusive opportunities for women in business.
I had the honour of serving as a guest judge at the Funding Opportunity Pitch Day hosted by the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). This event showcased transformative business proposals from innovators across Nigeria’s healthcare sector, all aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide.
I was honoured to participate in the transformative Elevate Africa Conference, hosted by their Royal Majesties, The Olu of Warri kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Queen Consort, Olori Atuwatse III. This gathering brought together leaders, visionaries, and stakeholders from across the continent to reshape the narrative of Africa. I had the pleasure of moderating an all-women key panel titled "Elevating African Trade: Through Regional Partnerships and Collaboration," Where I steered an interesting conversation alongside women leaders across diverse industries- Serah Makka, Executive Director for Africa, The One Campaign, Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO Optiva Capital Partners Juanita Sheppard, VP of Foundation & Government Partnerships, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Dr. Melinda Harris Barrow, Chairman and Executive Director 6th Region Global Chamber of Commerce.
"I believe the way to effectively provide women with more seats at the table is for us to create our own tables. More women succeeding as capital allocators means more women getting funded, more mentors, more torch-bearers, and more examples to follow. Investing in or with funds like Aruwa Capital Management is a practical way to narrow the gender funding gap and making money while you do so."
- Adesuwa Rhodes
Adesuwa is the Founder & Managing Partner of Aruwa Capital Management an early stage private equity fund investing in rapidly growing businesses in West Africa. With Aruwa Capital and her own personal investments, Adesuwa is focused on uncovering untapped investment opportunities that are typically overlooked and underserved. Adesuwa is passionate about showcasing the natural competitive advantage women allocating capital have when investing in businesses for women and by women. Through a gender lens investment strategy, Adesuwa is focused on generating enhanced financial returns whilst delivering positive social impact with a multiplier effect across societies and economies.
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