Yewande Adewusi, COO & Operating Principal, Alitheia Capital at Africa50’s IWD Webinar
For over 17 years, Alitheia Capital has been at the forefront of advancing gender equity in finance and entrepreneurship, ensuring that women-led and women focused businesses have the access, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. As a firm deeply committed to gender-lens investing, we continue to drive meaningful impact across Africa by breaking barriers and reshaping the financial landscape to be more inclusive.
Africa50 Women’s Day Webinar: A Call to #AccelerateAction
Alitheia Capital participated in the Africa50 Women’s Day Webinar, a pivotal conversation centered on the urgent need to accelerate gender equity in investing. Our Chief Operating Officer & Operating Principal, Yewande Adewusi, joined a distinguished panel alongside Coura Carine SENE, Regional Director at Wave Mobile Money, and Alyanna Marie Carrion, Membership & Community Lead at 2X Global, moderated by Mumbi-Michelle Kimani, Senior Events and Protocol Coordinator at Africa50 Group. The session explored how gender-lens investing can shape the continent’s financial future.
Yewande emphasized the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth—when given equal access to capital. She underscored the necessity of intentional investments that empower women-led businesses, not only as a matter of equity but as a critical driver of sustainable development.
Alitheia Capital: A Leader in Gender-Lens Investing
At the heart of Alitheia Capital’s commitment to gender equity is the Alitheia IDF Fund, Africa’s first and largest gender-lens fund by AUM. A joint venture between Alitheia Capital and IDF Capital, the $102 million fund specifically targets high-growth, women-led and women focused businesses across Africa. By investing in enterprises that prioritize gender inclusion, the Alitheia IDF Fund is bridging the financing gap and fostering a more equitable business environment.
Our approach goes beyond funding; we provide strategic support, mentorship, and market access to ensure the long-term success of the businesses we invest in. Our portfolio spans key sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare, financial services, and renewable energy—industries that hold immense potential for job creation and economic transformation.
Why Investing in Women is a Necessity, Not an Option
The discussion at the Africa50 Women’s Day Webinar reinforced a fundamental truth: investing in women isn’t just an opportunity—it’s an imperative. Research consistently shows that women-led and diverse businesses deliver higher returns and contribute significantly to economic growth. Yet, they remain underfunded, receiving a fraction of available capital compared to male-led ventures.
Alitheia Capital is determined to change this narrative. Through our investments, advocacy, and partnerships, we continue to champion inclusive investment strategies that not only empower women but also strengthen economies and communities. The discussion reaffirmed our resolve to accelerate action and ensure that gender equity in finance is not just a vision but a reality.
The Road Ahead
As we continue this journey, we call on investors, policymakers, and financial institutions to join us in amplifying gender-lens investing. The path to a more equitable future requires collective action, and together, we can drive sustainable change that benefits all.
At Alitheia Capital, we are not just investing in businesses—we are investing in a future where women have an equal seat at the table. The time to #AccelerateAction is now.