Inclusive leadership is a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic growth, and this shift is critical in Nigeria. As the country navigates its path toward a more prosperous and equitable future, leaders who prioritize collaboration, innovation, and gender inclusivity are driving meaningful change. At Alitheia Capital, we are at the forefront of this transformation, championing gender-smart investing and fostering an environment where businesses—especially those led by women—can thrive. In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) hosted by Capital Club Lagos, our Chief Operations Officer and Operating Principal, Yewande Adewusi moderated a fireside chat in conversation with the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trand & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to spotlight the role of inclusive leadership in driving economic growth and shaping Nigeria’s business landscape. The conversation explored the intersection of inclusive policy, entrepreneurship, and investment in driving national progress..
Championing Business Reforms in Nigeria
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole has played a pivotal role in spearheading Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business reforms, a government initiative aimed at reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving the overall business climate. Through her work with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), she has championed policies that make it easier for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to thrive.
“We are intentional about making Nigeria a more attractive investment destination,” she remarked during the discussion. “Our goal is to simplify processes, reduce the cost of doing business, and ensure that entrepreneurs can focus on growing their businesses rather than navigating complex regulations.”
Policy, Innovation, and Impact Investing: A Pathway to Growth
A key theme of the discussion was the intersection of policy, innovation, and impact investing. Dr. Oduwole emphasized that while policies provide the foundation for business growth, innovation drives competitiveness and sustainability.
“Innovation is at the heart of economic development,” she explained. “We need to ensure that our policies not only support existing businesses but also encourage new and disruptive ideas that can propel Nigeria forward.”
The conversation also touched on the role of firms like Alitheia Capital in driving economic transformation through gender-smart investing and impact-driven financial strategies. By providing capital and strategic support to gender-smart businesses that create social and economic value, Alitheia Capital continues to shape an ecosystem where entrepreneurship thrives.
The Role of Women in Economic Development
As a passionate advocate for gender inclusion, Dr. Oduwole underscored the importance of empowering women in business. She pointed out that women-owned enterprises contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, yet they face unique challenges that limit their growth potential.
“Women entrepreneurs are incredibly resourceful, but they often lack access to funding, mentorship, and networks,” she noted. “We need to be deliberate about creating policies and programs that support their growth, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed.”
This aligns with Alitheia Capital’s mission through the Alitheia IDF Fund, to bridge the financing gap for women-led businesses and support enterprises that drive economic inclusivity and sustainable impact.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Despite the progress made, Dr. Oduwole acknowledged that there are still hurdles to overcome. Infrastructure deficits, regulatory inefficiencies, and global economic uncertainties remain challenges that require continuous effort and collaboration.
“We have made significant strides, but there is still much work to be done,” she admitted. “By leveraging technology, strengthening institutions, and fostering a culture of accountability, we can create a Nigeria where businesses thrive and economic opportunities are accessible to all.”
Yewande Adewusi steered the conversation toward actionable solutions, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs to drive lasting change.
Conclusion
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole’s insights highlight the critical role of policy, innovation, and inclusivity in driving economic progress. With organizations like Alitheia Capital at the forefront of impact investing and economic transformation, the vision for a more business-friendly Nigeria and continent at large is steadily becoming a reality. As the country navigates its economic journey, leaders like Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and impact-investment and gender lens investment pioneers like Alitheia Capital remain key to shaping a prosperous future for all.