At the AVCA 2025 Conference, I joined Tokunboh Ishmael (Alitheia Capital), Najada Kumbuli (Visa Foundation), and Sarah Ngamau (Moremi Fund) for the 2X Ignite Gender Lens Investing Roundtable, moderated by Elena Haba of 2X Global. I led the breakout session on Incentives, where we explored practical ways to embed gender inclusion into investment strategies through financial and structural levers. It was a focused and energising dialogue on turning intent into lasting impact.
On the sidelines of the AVCA Week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Visa West Africa event hosted at Visa’s Lagos office, a powerful gathering centred on inclusive finance and catalytic partnerships. I joined Najada Kumbuli (Vice President, Head of Investments, Visa Foundation), Ajibola Odukoya (CEO, AfriLabs), and moderator Chiedu Adudu (Commercial Sales Executive, Visa West Africa) for a high-impact panel exploring how strategic partnerships, such as that between Aruwa Capital and the Visa Foundation, are driving entrepreneurship and unlocking inclusive growth across the continent.
One of the memorable moments at AVCA Week was finally meeting Tope Awotona, CEO of Calendly, in person, over three years after we first connected virtually in 2021 during my Fund I fundraising journey. Tope’s fireside chat was a powerful reflection on visionary leadership, calculated risk, and the resilience needed to build something truly transformative, from Lagos to leading a globally recognised platform valued at $3 billion. Our one-on-one meeting afterwards was equally enriching. We discussed Aruwa Capital’s growth, the vision for Fund II, and our shared values of innovation, tenacity, and giving back.
It was great speaking at the 5th edition of the Doing Business in Nigeria Conference (DBNC), a critical platform for engaging with Nigeria’s evolving business landscape. I joined the panel on “Accessing Finance in Challenging Times: Opportunities for Nigerian Businesses,” where we explored how patient capital and gender-lens investing can be powerful tools to unlock growth for underserved yet high-potential businesses. It was a pleasure to engage alongside industry leaders including Jude Chiemeka (CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited), Catherine Uju-Ifejika (CEO, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited), Adeniyi Adenubi (Co-Founder, VFD Group), Dr. Inalegwu Adoga (MD, Champion Breweries), and Katharina Link (CEO, Pulse Africa).
I had the pleasure of attending the Women in Power Conference at Harvard Kennedy School as panelist for a thought-provoking panel discussion on the topic “From Policy to Investment.” Alongside Kathrina Dalka (Founder & CEO, Stellar One), Christina Qi (CEO, Databento), and Natalie Madeira Cofield (President & CEO, Association for Enterprise Opportunity), and expertly moderated by Katherine Attiah, we explored how policy frameworks and capital flows can be better aligned to support women-led businesses. The dialogue underscored the importance of designing systems that unlock economic participation and long-term success for women across the globe.
It was an honour to receive an award of appreciation from United Way Greater Nigeria (UWGN), where I serve proudly as a board member. This recognition reflects a shared commitment to advancing economic inclusion and social change through collaborative, community-driven initiatives. I’m especially proud to support UWGN’s work in expanding access to education, empowering young people, and driving women’s economic participation across Nigeria.
I’m deeply honoured to be named one of the 100 Nigerian Women in Finance 2025 by Leading Ladies Africa. This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the progress we’ve made as a community in reshaping the investment landscape, especially when it comes to gender equality in finance. When I began my career in finance, women in decision-making roles, especially in investment and capital allocation, were scarce. I knew that to create lasting change, I had to be part of the movement that champions women as leaders in this space. Today, this recognition serves as a reminder that while we’ve come a long way, there’s still much work to be done.
It was great to join the all-female plenary at the NGX International Women’s Day Symposium—an inspiring gathering focused on accelerating women’s economic inclusion and breaking down the barriers to capital access. From gender-lens investing to the structural shifts required for real equity, the discussion was both timely and necessary. Sharing the stage with incredible women like Solape Akinpelu, Odiri Oginni, Chalya Shagaya, Pai Gamde, Kari Tukur, Adaorie Udechukwu, and Hilda Baci, with Ugochi Obi as moderator, was a powerful reminder of how important collective voices can be in shaping a more inclusive financial future. Capping off the day with the ceremonial bell ringing on the NGX trading floor was a proud moment, symbolic of the growing momentum behind women driving change in capital markets.
It was great to moderate a panel session at the NESG Private Sector Business Forum, where I led a timely conversation on “Emerging Business Challenges and Coping Strategies in 2025.” Joined by Tosin Ojo, Partner Sahel Capital, Dele Kelvin Oye, President NACCIMA & Chairman Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), and Dr. Vincent Nwani, Strategy Leader, West Africa Safrik Investments Group, we unpacked the most pressing issues facing businesses in Nigeria today, from policy shifts and currency volatility to compliance burdens and constrained access to capital.
It was a pleasure to return to Oxford for the 2025 Oxford Africa Business Forum, hosted by the Oxford Africa Business Alliance in collaboration with Saïd Business School. I joined the panel on “Financing Africa’s Growth from Within” alongside David Awuah-Darko (IC Group), Henry Odogwu (BlackRock), Vish Ashiagbor (PwC Ghana), and moderator Obi Chinomso (Oxford MBA), where we explored how local capital, and homegrown strategies can drive sustainable development across the continent.
I travelled from Lagos to Colombo for the Innovation for Impact VC Summit, hosted by British International Investment (BII). This summit brought together over 150 investors, founders, and venture capital leaders from Africa and South Asia to exchange insights on scaling businesses in emerging markets. I had the honour of speaking on two engaging panels: “Same Same, But Different: From Ludhiana to Lahore to Lagos”, where we explored shared challenges in access to capital and scalability, and Fund Manager Pecha Kucha, a dynamic session unpacking real experiences in building sustainable investment platforms.
It was great to speak on the “Scaling Impact Initiatives to Attract and Mobilize Capital for Sustainable Investments” panel at the IIF Roundtable, moderated by Muizz Bello, Senior Associate at African Capital Alliance. Alongside Mr. Akinwande Pearse, Technical Adviser at GIZ, and Andrew Tarazid-Tarawali, Investment Director at Small Foundation, we explored how impact initiatives successfully mobilise capital and the role of sponsors in driving sustainable investments.
I had a fantastic time moderating the Women’s Forum: Breaking Barriers – Driving Inclusive Innovation in Africa’s Startup Ecosystem at the Omniverse Summit 2025. Alongside an inspiring panel—Dr. Tewa Onasanya, Founder & CEO of Exquisite Magazine, Mea Boykins, Director of Partnerships & External Engagement, and Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director at the Policy Innovation Centre who joined us virtually. We discussed the systemic barriers female founders face in accessing capital and the role of gender-lens investing in overcoming these challenges.
I had the privilege of being featured in the 13th Inspiring Women Series hosted by Kemi Ajumobi, Editor, BusinessDay. The event was a platform dedicated to spotlighting trailblazing women making remarkable strides in their industries. Recognised for Aruwa Capital’s pioneering work in gender lens investing, I shared the stage with fellow panelists committed to driving sustainable impact across Africa- Kari Tukur, Regional Vice President, Customer Solutions Mastercard Dr. Odiri Oginni, MD/CEO United Capital Ayodele Olejede, Divisional Head, Retail and SME, Wema Bank and moderated by Linda Uneze, Cofounder Maurice Xandra Solutions.
I had the pleasure of joining a fireside chat at the Gender Bonds Toolkit Dissemination Event in Lagos, hosted by FSD Africa. The discussion focused on how gender bonds can unlock capital for women-focused investments and drive financial inclusion across Africa. Moderated by Kate Perkins (BII), I was joined by Ojuru Adeniji, VP Origination & Structuring InfraCredit and Marlene Muller, innovation Manager Symbiotics. As gender bonds gain momentum, Aruwa Capital remains at the forefront, shaping the future of inclusive finance and expanding capital flows to women-led businesses
I was delighted to attend the Transitioning to Tech Demo Day, hosted by Africa Startup Factory, which has trained over 4,000 women in tech skills. I joined industry leaders from the United Nations, The World Bank, and Jobberman Nigeria to share insights with these talented women breaking barriers in tech. A highlight was receiving the Outstanding Women in Tech Award (OWITA), a recognition that reinforces Aruwa Capital’s commitment to driving gender inclusion in technology and high-growth industries.
It was an honour to attend the Women Allying Women event, hosted by the Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III. This exclusive gathering, part of the Elevate Africa initiative, brought together inspiring Nigerian women leaders, creating a platform to share ideas, values, and experiences that drive impactful change. It was a privilege to engage in meaningful conversations with like-minded women committed to shaping a more inclusive and empowered future.
I had the privilege of participating in the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Focused Dialogue Session at the Africa Investment Forum 2024 in Rabat, Morocco. It was an insightful discussion alongside Dipuo Phakathi, CEO of Denic Cabinets, Wendy Teleki, Head of We-Fi Secretariat at The World Bank, and expertly moderated by Eleni Giokos, News Anchor and Correspondent at CNN. We explored strategies to bridge the gender financing gap, amplify women-led success stories, and unlock opportunities for women to drive Africa’s next wave of growth.
I had the pleasure of joining the local production panel at the Mentor Matchup Challenge 6.0 in Lagos, hosted Ezinne Nwazulu Managing Partner, 234Finance. I sat on a panel alongside Melat Nebiyou, Founder of Maribela Production and Melat Perfume, Olanrewaju Ogundipe, CEO of Imperial Education Technology Limited, expertly moderated by Kenneth Akan, Head of Sales and Revenue Growth at PaidHR. It was a great discussion on strengthening Nigeria’s supply chains and fostering a more resilient local industry.
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.
It was a pleasure to return to the 3rd Annual Black Women in Asset Management (BWAM) Conference, where I was honoured as one of BWAM's 40 Under 40 in 2022, as a speaker. I joined one of the panels to discuss a crucial topic “Gender Lens Investing: Driving Impact and Returns’. I had a great conversation with visionary leaders- Mandy Nyarko MBE, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Sahara Impact Ventures Tara Sabre Collier, Climate and PSE Practice Lead, Chemonics International under the insightful moderation of Vona Aghoghovbia-Ezichi, MD, Head of Finance, Nuveen as we explored key strategies for driving both impact and returns through intentional, gender-focused investing.