I had the pleasure of participating in the Africa Startup Festival 2025, joining a fireside conversation titled “Real People. Real Markets. Real Returns” alongside Temilola Adepetun (MD/CEO, SKLD) and moderated by Olalekan Onabanjo. The discussion offered an opportunity to reflect on the realities of scaling essential businesses across Africa. We explored how intentional investment in essential sectors- where demand is consistent, impact is measurable, and value creation is long-term, can drive inclusive growth. The conversation highlighted the importance of gender-smart, patient capital and the need for investors to remain close to operational realities to support sustainable business growth and resilient markets. Being part of this dialogue reinforced why Aruwa Capital’s approach- investing in businesses rooted in real market needs, continues to deliver tangible impact for communities and long-term value for investors.