I had the pleasure of joining the African Business Stories Roundtable, a conversation that brought together founders, commercial banks, DFIs, alternative credit providers, and policymakers to explore the financing landscape available to Nigerian businesses. I shared perspectives from both sides of the table, as a founder who has navigated the journey of raising capital, and as an investor deploying capital into high-growth businesses across Nigeria and Ghana. Building Aruwa Capital Management, I experienced firsthand the challenges of raising a first fund, developing conviction around an investment thesis, and earning the trust of institutional investors.
I had the pleasure of speaking at an Impact Investing Masterclass hosted by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, engaging with aspiring fund managers and impact investing practitioners. Having spent eight years fundraising before closing a fund, five years with a previous venture that did not reach first close, and three years building towards Aruwa Capital Management, I shared lessons from both the challenges and breakthroughs along the journey. It was a privilege to share my journey and contribute to conversations shaping the next generation of African fund managers.
I had the pleasure of attending NOG Energy Week Conference & Exhibition in Abuja alongside Yikodeen, one of Aruwa Capital Management’s portfolio companies, as they showcased their locally manufactured safety footwear and PPE as both an exhibitor and speaker. Founded by Shamsideen Olayinka Atunde at the age of 21, Yikodeen was built with a vision to drive import substitution, create jobs, and build a lasting manufacturing legacy. Today, with Aruwa’s support, the company has grown into the largest safety boots manufacturer in West Africa. Seeing the team showcase their products at NOG was a reminder of the importance of backing indigenous businesses that are strengthening local value chains and contributing to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
I had the pleasure of participating in the Faith & Institutional Investors Summit in Washington, D.C., where I joined a panel discussion titled “The Opportunity for Investing in Africa” alongside Dr Okechukwu Enelamah and Richard Okello, respected voices in Africa’s private capital ecosystem. The conversation explored the opportunities shaping Africa’s investment landscape, the importance of increasing institutional capital flows into the continent, and the need to challenge persistent perception gaps that continue to influence how Africa is viewed and valued in global markets.
I had the pleasure of joining the Nidacity Podcast for a live recording exploring my personal and professional journey, from building Aruwa Capital Management to navigating the opportunities and challenges within Africa’s private markets. The conversation covered the principles that guide my investment approach, lessons learned from building a fund, and reflections on entrepreneurship, capital allocation, and creating long-term value across the continent. It was a valuable opportunity to share insights with founders and business leaders building ambitious companies and shaping Africa’s next generation of growth.
I had the pleasure of joining James Dumoulin for a conversation on the School of Hard Knocks platform, exploring entrepreneurship, investing, and the opportunities shaping Africa’s future. The conversation touched on the realities of building and managing capital in emerging markets, lessons from scaling an $80 million investment platform, and the misconceptions that continue to shape perceptions of Africa’s investment landscape. The episode resonated with audiences globally, reaching over 55 million views and becoming the most-viewed video on the platform. The response reflects the growing appetite for authentic conversations around African entrepreneurship, investment, and the opportunity to reframe how the continent is understood in global markets.
During the Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Summit in Kigali, I had the privilege of meeting with Reeta Roy, Immediate Past President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. It was a great opportunity to personally thank Reeta and the Mastercard Foundation for their transformative role in supporting locally managed fund managers across Africa through the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund (MFAGF). As an investor in Aruwa Capital Fund I and an anchor investor in the first close of Aruwa Capital Fund II, MFAGF has played a catalytic role in our journey, enabling us to continue backing high-growth businesses and advancing our mission of building a more inclusive private capital ecosystem across Africa.
I had the pleasure of participating in the Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Summit in Kigali, marking 20 years of the Foundation and seven years of the Young Africa Works strategy. The Summit brought together leaders from across Africa to discuss solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, including access to finance, youth employment, education-to-work transitions, and inclusive economic growth.
I had the pleasure of joining key stakeholders at the launch of OmniRetail’s FMCG Industry Report 2026, marking seven years of building critical trade infrastructure across Nigeria. The event provided an opportunity to engage with leaders shaping Nigeria’s industrial and consumer landscape, including Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, alongside founders, investors, and ecosystem partners. As a proud investor in OmniRetail, it was encouraging to see the company’s continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s FMCG ecosystem through technology, distribution, and innovative solutions that support businesses across the value chain.
I was pleased to host the British International Investment (BII) team at the Aruwa Capital Management office in Lagos, including Adeola Ukoha, Nigeria Coverage Lead, and Katrina Kwan from BII’s Gender & Diversity team in London. Ahead of BII’s Gender Lens Investing training for its ecosystem of funds and partners, I shared Aruwa Capital Management’s approach, learnings, and portfolio experiences from investing in women-led and women-focused businesses across Nigeria and Ghana. The engagement was a valuable opportunity to exchange insights and reflect on the importance of collaboration in advancing gender-lens investing and building more inclusive private capital ecosystems across emerging markets.
I was pleased to host the EDFI Management Company, FMO (Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank), and the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS at the Aruwa Capital Management office in Lagos. The visit provided an opportunity to share updates on Aruwa Fund II and showcase some of the businesses we are proud to back, including AgroEknor, Koolboks, and Toasties. It was inspiring to highlight how companies across renewable energy, agribusiness, and consumer sectors are creating meaningful commercial and development impact.
I am incredibly proud to mark seven years of Aruwa Capital Management, a journey that began with a clear conviction that Africa’s overlooked opportunities could be transformed into scalable businesses delivering both strong returns and meaningful economic progress. From launching our first $20 million fund in 2019 to building an $80 million platform today, this journey has been shaped by the founders who continue to build through uncertainty, the investors who believed in our vision, and the team committed to disciplined execution and active partnership. Across 16 portfolio companies, we continue to see the power of this conviction through businesses strengthening value chains, creating jobs, and expanding access to essential goods and services. As we celebrate this milestone, I remain excited for what lies ahead as we continue backing resilient businesses and scaling inclusive prosperity across Africa.
I was proud to host the 4th Aruwa Capital Annual Investor Meeting in Lagos, bringing together our investors, founders, and partners from across our global ecosystem for two days of engagement, portfolio immersion, and meaningful conversations. The meeting provided an opportunity for our investors to connect directly with the businesses we back, gain deeper insights into their journeys, and reflect on the value created through long-term partnerships.
I am incredibly proud to share the launch of Aruwa Capital Management’s FY2025 Impact Report, which reflects the progress, resilience, and impact created alongside the founders and businesses we partner with. At Aruwa, we believe that scaling inclusive prosperity requires more than capital, it requires patient partnership, strong foundations, and a commitment to building businesses that strengthen Africa’s real economy. This year’s report highlights the continued impact of our portfolio, which supported over 203,000 jobs, reached more than 855,000 customers across Africa, and advanced inclusive growth through women-led businesses, youth employment, climate impact, and stronger value chains.
I was honoured to return to the University of Bristol, 16 years after graduating, to receive recognition at the 2026 University of Bristol Alumni Awards. The moment was a meaningful full-circle reflection, from my early years as a student in Bristol, where many foundations were quietly laid, to the journey of building and backing businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa through Aruwa Capital Management. I remain grateful for the experiences, relationships, and opportunities that have shaped my path, and for the privilege of continuing to contribute to Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
I had the pleasure of participating in high-level engagements at the World Bank Group Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where I met with Anna Bjerde and Kelly Mahon Tullier, Vice Chair, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Visa, as well as Chair of Visa Foundation, for discussions centred on women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria and Aruwa Capital Management’s investment journey. The conversations highlighted the importance of collaboration between global development institutions, philanthropic partners, and locally managed capital in advancing inclusive growth and expanding access to finance for women-led and women-focused businesses across emerging markets.
I had the pleasure of visiting the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where I engaged with Hoi Ying So, Global Co-Head and Portfolio Manager for Disruptive Technologies and Venture Capital at IFC. The conversation provided an opportunity to reflect on Aruwa Capital Management’s journey, from our founding thesis focused on investing in women-led and women-focused businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa, to the continued deployment of Aruwa Fund II in support of high-growth companies in Nigeria and Ghana. It was a valuable moment to reflect on the progress made and the importance of continued partnerships in building a more inclusive private capital ecosystem across Africa.
I had the pleasure of participating in the launch convening of the Visa Foundation and World Bank Group partnership in Washington, D.C., bringing together leaders from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors focused on expanding access to capital, tools, and networks for small and growing businesses in emerging markets. The conversations explored how capital can be more effectively deployed to unlock opportunity and support entrepreneurs across emerging markets. It was valuable to engage in a space where policy, philanthropy, and private capital intersect to shape the future of inclusive growth and access.
I was pleased to host the Impact Fund Denmark team at the Aruwa Capital Management office in Lagos during their recent visit to Nigeria. This followed earlier engagement initiated at the Norwegian African Business Association (NABA) convening which I attended in Oslo last year. The visit was a valuable opportunity to continue conversations around strengthening partnerships and enabling long-term capital flows into Africa’s growth sectors. As we explore potential co-investment opportunities, it reinforced the importance of sustained relationship-building in connecting Nordic capital with high-growth, impact-driven businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa.
I am honoured to be recognised among Gazmadu’s Women Making Waves in the Finance Industry, a spotlight celebrating women shaping the future of finance across treasury, private equity, trusteeship, and wealth management. This recognition reflects the work we are doing through Aruwa Capital Management to build and support businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on disciplined investing, gender-lens capital, and creating long-term value for companies, communities, and the wider ecosystem.
I am honoured to have been selected as one of the Top 30 Nominees for the 2026 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria (TOYP) Programme, recognising young leaders creating meaningful impact across industries and communities. This nomination reflects the work we are doing through Aruwa Capital Management to build and support businesses driving sustainable growth, inclusion, and long-term value creation across Africa. I remain committed to backing entrepreneurs and companies that are building with strong fundamentals, purpose, and a vision for lasting impact.
I had the pleasure of participating in the Access Bank Private Banking Breakfast Series, where discussions focused on the fundamentals of building and preserving lasting wealth. The session explored key themes including tax considerations, evolving fiscal realities, and the structures needed to sustain wealth across generations. It was a valuable opportunity to engage in conversations around long-term wealth creation and the importance of thoughtful planning in today’s changing economic environment.
I had the pleasure of participating in the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Investing in Consolidation Forum, which brought together private sector leaders and policymakers to discuss Nigeria’s economic outlook, investment opportunities, and structural priorities. The launch of the NESG Private Sector Outlook Report provided an important platform for solution-driven dialogue on the policies and partnerships needed to support long-term economic growth. As a member of NESG, I value these opportunities to engage with leaders shaping Nigeria’s economic future and contribute to conversations that strengthen the private sector.
I had the pleasure of participating in the Lagos Leadership Summit 2026, a flagship platform of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy that brings together young leaders, innovators, and changemakers focused on shaping Nigeria’s future. I joined a high-level roundtable discussion on “Designing Governance and Enterprise for Generational Continuity” alongside leaders from government and industry. The conversation explored how strong governance structures and thoughtful enterprise design can support long-term value creation and build institutions that thrive across generations.
I am honoured to have been named to the World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders Class of 2026, joining a global community of leaders under 40 working to shape the future across business, policy, and society. Being recognised in the business category, and as the only Nigerian woman selected in this category this year, is a meaningful reflection of the work we are doing through Aruwa Capital Management to advance gender-lens investing as a driver of both impact and performance. I remain grateful for the opportunity to continue building alongside founders, investors, and partners who are committed to creating more inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa.
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.