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 was pleased to speak at the Herconomy Wealth Building Summit 2026, joining industry leaders on the panel, “Wealth that Outlives You: Legacy Planning, Generational Transfers & Leaving a Financial Inheritance that Lasts,” alongside Toyin Olaojo of Alternative Bank, Omotesele Esekhiagbe of Zone, Kemi Ojenike of Meristem Family Office, and Olajide Martins of Bemil Nigeria Limited. The conversation explored the importance of building systems and structures that enable wealth to be preserved and transferred across generations, grounded in intentionality, strong governance, and long-term thinking. These are principles we continue to see as critical not just at a family level, but also in how capital is structured and deployed for lasting impact.
I was pleased to speak at Elevate Africa’s Global Ambassadors Webinar 2026 on the theme, “Building Her Power: Women, Wealth and Opportunity.” The session brought together leaders across the continent to explore how women are shaping economic influence and expanding opportunities. It reinforced the importance of intentional capital deployment and inclusive investment strategies in driving long-term growth and broadening access across the ecosystem.
I had the pleasure of joining the Storytelling & Leadership Podcast with Mimi Kalinda to discuss Debunking the Myths About Investing in Women. We explored why investing in women in Africa is not just a funding issue, it is a leadership issue, a systems issue, and a missed growth opportunity. I shared why I founded Aruwa Capital Management and why closing the capital gap for women is critical for the future of business and investment on the continent. It was an inspiring conversation about how intentional capital allocation, leadership, and storytelling can reshape investment outcomes and unlock sustainable growth for women-led enterprises across Africa.
I am pleased to be recognized by TechPoint Africa among “12 women driving Africa’s venture capital market.” This recognition reflects a broader shift across the continent, where women are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping how capital is deployed. At Aruwa Capital Management, we continue to see gender lens investing as a strategic advantage, strengthening both outcomes and impact, while backing underserved founders and building more inclusive investment pathways.
I am honoured to be recognised on The Edo Women Power List 2026, powered by the Edo state government through the Office of the Special Adviser on SDGs, celebrating women from Edo State driving change and shaping the future. This recognition reflects not only the work we are doing across global investment platforms through Aruwa Capital Management, but also the importance of staying rooted and contributing meaningfully to one’s home community. It is a privilege to be recognised alongside a distinguished group of women leaders shaping lasting impact.
I was pleased to join the PEVCA Nigeria Policy & Capital Summit in Lagos- even after a full day in Ghana for the Ci-Gaba VC Fund of Funds first close, I made time to return and participate in the Summit. As a member of the PEVCA Board, it was important to be present and continue supporting conversations focused on mobilising domestic capital and strengthening Nigeria’s private capital ecosystem. At Aruwa Capital Management, we remain committed to actively contributing to platforms shaping the future of capital across the region.
I am pleased to have been recognised by Inspiring Women Africa as one of five audacious female-led fund managers in Nigeria to reach a final close. This recognition reflects our continued focus at Aruwa Capital Management on disciplined investing and a clear gender lens as a driver of value. It is an honour to be featured alongside a cohort of female fund managers shaping the future of capital in Nigeria.
I had the pleasure of attending the celebration of Ci-Gaba VC’s first close of its Fund of Funds in Ghana, an important milestone in mobilising domestic institutional capital, particularly from pension funds, into private markets across West Africa. As a beneficiary of this investment in Aruwa Capital Fund II, it was meaningful to witness the catalytic role locally anchored vehicles can play in strengthening fund managers, deepening capital pools, and accelerating investment into high-impact sectors. This milestone signals a broader shift towards a more resilient and self-sustaining African investment ecosystem, driven by domestic capital.
I had the pleasure of joining the Zenith Bank Women’s Business Luncheon, held in partnership with the Africa Women CEOs Network and French Tech Lagos as part of International Women’s Month. The engagement brought together women business leaders across the Franco-Nigerian ecosystem to discuss leadership, inclusion, and the advancement of women in key decision-making roles. It reinforced the importance of strong networks and platforms that support women’s continued growth and impact across the region.
I had the pleasure of attending the American Business Council’s International Women’s Day 2026, joining a group of women leaders and industry practitioners to reflect on the role of mentorship, competence, and leadership in driving inclusive economic growth. The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening leadership pipelines and fostering collaboration to support more sustainable and equitable outcomes. At Aruwa Capital Management, we continue to see these elements as critical to building resilient businesses and expanding opportunities across the ecosystem.
"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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