Women Leading the Charge in Africa’s Investment Landscape
In a dynamic era of technological transformation and economic resilience across the African continent, a remarkable shift in the investment landscape is taking center stage, and it’s the women who are leading this charge. As Africa experiences a digital tech boom characterized by innovative strides in banking, healthcare, education, agriculture, and beyond, women entrepreneurs and investors are playing a pivotal role in harnessing technology to digitize traditional industries.
Venture capital, which has been a vital lifeline for startups with long-term growth aspirations, has played a significant role in this narrative. Women-led investment firms are making strides, particularly in Nigeria and Kenya, which have emerged as vibrant venture capital hotspots. These countries are attracting substantial investments, thanks in part to female investors who champion innovative startups. However, the landscape is evolving beyond the well-known hubs, as women in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other African nations continue to make their mark in the world of venture capital.
In this vibrant ecosystem, it’s imperative to recognize and celebrate the diverse and influential voices of women who are shaping the investment landscape across Africa. Here, we proudly introduce you to 34 remarkable female angel and venture capital investors who are driving change, innovation, and gender equality in Africa’s investment frontier.
Yemi Keri
Yemi Keri is a leading figure in the Nigerian technology landscape, boasting over two decades of experience that span technology leadership and investment. As the CEO of Heckerbella Limited, a digital transformation company, she consistently drives innovation by delivering practical tech-driven solutions to complex business and social challenges. Her extensive track record includes noteworthy roles such as Director and Regional Manager at SAP Africa and pioneering the Edo State Directorate of Information Communications & Technology Agency.
Beyond her technological prowess, Yemi is a co-founder of Rising Tide Africa, a platform for amplifying women’s participation in angel investing while fostering cross-border collaboration and mentorship. She’s also a Director at the Lagos Angel Network, actively mentoring technology-enabled startups. Through Rising Tide, she has invested in companies like Eden Life and Chekkit.
Maya Horgan Famodu
Maya Horgan Famodu is a dynamic venture capital investor and entrepreneur renowned for her impactful contributions to Africa’s tech landscape. She is the founder of Ingressive Capital, a $10 million venture fund dedicated to nurturing early-stage African tech ventures. Maya’s work has attracted prominent Silicon Valley entities such as Y Combinator and GitHub, facilitating over 20 investments in African tech. Her brainchild, the High Growth Africa Summit, unites investors, developers, and tech companies annually to deliberate on scaling and funding high-growth African enterprises.
Eunice Ajim
Eunice is a Cameroonian-American tech investor and entrepreneur who launched Ajim Capital Fund, a $10 million early-stage fund focused on high-growth tech companies in Africa. She co-founded OpenTeams, an online marketplace connecting users of open-source software with service providers. Her previous experience includes founding DataGig, an online marketplace for hiring vetted data experts and vendors.
Tokunboh Ishmael
Tokunboh Ishmael is an impact investor with over two decades of experience in investment banking, private equity, and technology across continents. As the co-founder and Managing Director of Alitheia Capital, she channels private equity investments towards small and medium-sized businesses in West Africa. Her commitment to fostering equity and inclusion has led her to invest in businesses addressing accessibility and affordability, driving shared prosperity.
Eloho Omame
Eloho Omame is an early-stage investor and a strong advocate for gender and inclusion in venture capital in Africa. She’s a partner at TLcom Capital and co-founder of FirstCheck Africa, an early-stage VC firm that aims to provide female founders with their first check. FirstCheck’s investment portfolio includes startups in Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya, led by female founders in various sectors.
Odunayo Eweniyi
Odunayo Eweniyi is a prominent figure in the African tech landscape and the co-founder and COO of PiggyVest, Nigeria’s largest digital investment platform. Beyond her role at PiggyVest, she co-founded First Check Africa, aimed at investing in women within the African tech scene. Her influence extends to her position as a board member at Village Capital, a global supporter of impact-driven entrepreneurs.
Laila Macharia
Laila Macharia is an investor with extensive experience in East Africa. As the vice chair of Centum Investment, she oversees a company with over $1 billion in assets. She co-founded the African Digital Media Institute, a career accelerator for creative and tech talent.
Hannah Subayi
Hannah Subayi is currently a partner at Launch Africa Ventures, with previous experience as a country officer for Proparco in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With over 10 years of professional experience, she sits on the advisory boards of several African private equity funds.
Fatoumata Ba
Fatoumata Ba is a Senegalese-born tech entrepreneur and investor, serving as the founder and executive chair of Janngo Capital. Her fund is arguably Africa’s largest gender-equal tech fund, working towards proven business models and inclusive social impact. Fatoumata’s legacy includes significant roles at Jumia, where she managed operations across multiple countries.
Elizabeth Howard
Elizabeth Howard is a dynamic entrepreneur focused on fostering growth in Africa’s SMEs through strategic investment initiatives. She founded Women in African Investments (WAI), a network of over 160 women investment professionals dedicated to promoting equitable investment capital distribution across the continent.
Lisa G. Thomas
Lisa G. Thomas is a seasoned impact investor and entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in venture capital and private equity. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Samata Capital, focusing on private-sector investments in small and growing businesses across sub-Saharan Africa.
Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes
Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes is a distinguished figure in finance and investment, renowned for her expertise in technology and investment management. She is the founder and managing partner of Aruwa Capital Management, one of the few women-owned private equity funds in Africa, focusing on growth-stage businesses that cater to the female economy.
Amanda Cotterman
Amanda Cotterman is an experienced emerging markets professional known for her expertise in technology and investment within the African market. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Equalofe Capital, Africa’s pioneering venture debt fund, and EquaLife Advisory Services.
Ewa Harcourt-Wood
Ewa Harcourt-Wood is a seasoned investment professional with over 15 years in the Private Equity landscape. She co-founded Intaba Capital, a women-led investment and advisory firm in Cape Town, focusing on high-growth SMEs.
Cathy Goddard
Cathy Goddard is the founder of FyreFem Fund Managers, focusing on empowering SMEs in South Africa. Her unique approach combines private equity and business rescue, addressing growth, impact, and gender-related issues.
Thelma Ekiyor
Thelma Arimiebi Ekiyor is a Nigerian social entrepreneur and impact investor, focusing on women’s economic empowerment. She is the Managing Partner of SME.NG, an investment platform for female entrepreneurs.
Nichole Yembra
Nichole Yembra is the Founder and Managing Director of The Chrysalis Co., a hub for transformative ventures. She also spearheads GreenHouse Lab, Nigeria’s pioneering female-focused tech accelerator.
Lise Birikundavyi
Lise Birikundavyi is the co-founder and managing partner of BKR Capital, a pioneering black-led VC fund in Canada. Her extensive experience spans hedge funds and venture capital.
Rebecca Enonchong
Rebecca Enonchong is the founder of AppsTech and the chair of AfriLabs, advocating for African tech advancement through investment. She supports Francophone Africa’s tech ecosystems and promotes increased representation of Black and African women in leadership.
Kofoworola Agbaje
Kofoworola Agbaje is the Vice President at Quona Capital, specializing in Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA investments. Her expertise extends to guiding portfolio companies and facilitating successful exits.
Nneka Eze
Nneka Eze is a General Partner and Managing Director at VestedWorld, focusing on impact-driven investments in emerging markets. Her commitment to inclusive business models helps navigate class dynamics in capital allocation.
Ola Brown
Dr. Ola Brown is a healthcare entrepreneur and investor, leading transformative initiatives in Africa’s healthcare landscape. She is the Founder and Chief Executive of the Flying Doctors Healthcare Investment Group.
Omobola Johnson
Omobola Johnson is the Senior Partner of TLcom Capital, with a background in engineering and business. She is a founding chairperson of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), advocating for women’s roles in business.
Marge Ntambi
Margaret Ntambi is a seasoned Corporate Finance professional who transitioned into venture capital. She serves as a Partner at Benue Capital, focusing on investments in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Hope Ditlhakanyane
Hope Ditlhakanyane is the founder of We Fund Women, a venture capital firm empowering women-led businesses. She also serves as the Head of Venture Sourcing at Founders Factory Africa.
Adenike Sherriff
Adenike Sherriff is co-founder and chief of staff at Future Africa, providing capital, coaching, and community for mission-driven innovators. She has invested in companies like Moove and Talent City.
Andreata Muforo
Andreata Muforo is a Partner at TLcom Capital, involved in every phase of the investment journey. She co-founded TLcom’s annual Africa Tech Female Founder Summit.
Ijeoma Agboti
Ijeoma D. Agboti-Obatoyinbo is a Non-Executive Director at FBNQuest Capital and has extensive experience in private equity and venture capital. Her previous roles include significant contributions at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Ann Wyman
Ann Wyman is a Senior Officer at AfricInvest, responsible for client relations. She has extensive experience in financial services and consulting, with a focus on fostering investment ties in Tunisia.
Sarah Dusek
Sarah Dusek is the Co-Founder and General Partner of Enygma Ventures, dedicated to empowering women-led startups. Her leadership has propelled the firm to bridge the gender gap in startup funding.
Lexi Novitske
Lexi Novitske is a seasoned venture investor who launched Singularity Investments in Lagos, Nigeria. She serves as a mentor and advisor to startups, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Tosin Faniro Dada
Tosin Faniro-Dada is a Partner at Breega, directing capital to solve economic and social challenges through technology. Her previous roles include leading initiatives at Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.
Polo Leteka
Polo Leteka is the founder and chairman of IDF Capital and co-founder of Alitheia IDF, which supports female entrepreneurs. Her contributions include formulating South Africa’s Codes of Good Practice for economic empowerment.
Biola Alabi
Biola Alabi is a Venture Partner at Cairo Angels Syndicate Fund, focusing on deal origination and investment portfolio management. She founded Grooming for Greatness, a mentorship program for aspiring professionals.
These remarkable women are not just investors; they are pioneers, advocates, and champions of change, driving innovation and gender equality in Africa’s investment landscape. Their contributions are shaping the future of the continent, proving that when women lead, everyone benefits.