Investing in Women: UK-Nigeria Tech Hub’s Call to Action on Women’s Investment

Unpacking the Urgency for Women’s Investment in Nigeria

In a transformative step towards addressing the persistent investment gap faced by women-led enterprises, the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub and Spurt! convened a powerful investment forum on March 8, 2025, in Lagos. This event, commemorating International Women’s Day, assembled over 30 key institutions, including female investors and advocates, to discuss actionable solutions aimed at enhancing financial opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Focusing beyond mere statistics, speakers emphasized the need for robust action plans that can pave the way for systemic changes in funding practices. With only 2% of venture capital funding allocated to female-led teams in Africa, highlighted by keynote speaker Amaka Okechukwu Opara from Weav Capital, it is clear that there is a dire need for urgent reform. Opara's passionate call urged stakeholders at the forum to shift from discussing the problem to enacting meaningful solutions.

The Formation of the Women in Investment Working Group

The establishment of the Women in Investment Working Group marks a pivotal moment for women in entrepreneurship. This coalition, formed in partnership with TechCabal Insights and Glove, aims to track investments and advocate for programs that will foster an inclusive financial ecosystem. By aggregating data-driven insights, this group intends to monitor and promote financial access for women, thus addressing the systemic barriers that prevail against them.

Building Coalitions for Lasting Change

As articulated at the event, creating coalitions is essential for driving real change. As echoed by speakers from various sectors, the investment landscape must evolve to provide equitable opportunities for women. For instance, ActionAid Nigeria’s recent appeal on International Women’s Day highlighted how investments in women not only empower them but strengthen entire communities. This symbiotic relationship illustrates why gender-inclusive initiatives are imperative for Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.

Moreover, the Nigerian government is also taking strides towards elevating the status of women within financial frameworks. Initiatives such as financial literacy campaigns and affirmative action policies within the National Assembly reflect a growing recognition of women as vital contributors to the economy. These moves illustrate a collective commitment to enhance women's roles in governance and business.

Moving Beyond Dialogue to Action

The dialogue on women's investment has shifted from mere conversation to actionable commitments, clearly demonstrated by the coalition's strategic focus on equity in funding methodologies. For women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, these changes promise a more supportive environment to flourish in their ventures. With a concerted effort from stakeholder institutions and a dedication to implementing inclusive policies, the trajectory for women-led businesses in Nigeria looks increasingly optimistic.

The Women in Investment Working Group opens a crucial dialogue that transcends statistics and instead fosters an ecosystem where women are seen not just as beneficiaries, but as pivotal change agents in the economy. The next step forward involves mobilizing these insights into tangible investments that can substantially alter the current landscape for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.