This ten-year strategy for achieving gender equality and social inclusion in Nigeria was unveiled at the third Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS), which had the theme “Investing in Equity: Promoting Gender-Driven Solutions for Inclusive Growth,” and took place at the Civic Centre in Lagos. The event also marked the introduction of the Nigeria Inclusive Capital Commitment 2035 initiative to support practical steps in reaching the objectives outlined in the GESI roadmap.
Working alongside PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, the IIF created a 10-year strategic plan spanning from 2025 to 2035 aimed at incorporating inclusive investment approaches into Nigeria's economy. The GESI Roadmap outlines a clear and practical strategy with goals such as raising $8.0 billion in total gender-focused capital, introducing 40 financial products designed for women, youth, and people with disabilities, achieving 90% adoption of Gender Equity and Social Inclusion principles by General Partners, mobilizing $1.5 billion in local capital funds, and passing 20 new policy and regulatory measures, among other objectives.
The Nigeria Inclusive Capital Commitment 2035 initiative was launched to educate, influence, and encourage robust capital mobilization pledges and actions for women, young people, and individuals with disabilities (PwDs). It seeks to unite all relevant parties—such as governments, capital providers and users, market developers, facilitators, and financial institutions—towards meeting the established goals.
This GESI Roadmap goes beyond being a mere plan; it serves as a framework for a major transformation in Nigeria's economy," said Etemore Glover, CEO of the Impact Investors Foundation. "The magnitude of the goals reflects our deep dedication to a future where everyone is included. This highly promising development charts a strong, ten-year path to make capital more accessible and reshape our investment environment for women, youth, and People with Disabilities (PwDs).
By endorsing the Nigeria Inclusive Capital Commitment 2035, participants commit to undertaking critical steps: scaling up the mobilization of inclusive capital to address gender and inclusion funding shortfalls; integrating GESI concepts into investment choices, policies, and financial offerings; enhancing institutional capabilities, pipeline growth, and policy alignment; and achieving tangible results that support women, young people, and individuals with disabilities throughout Nigeria.
Ibukun Awosika, Chair of the GSG Nigeria Partner and Vice Chair of GSG Impact, highlighted the importance of the campaign: “The GESI roadmap takes us from aspirations to accountability, urging stakeholders to not only generate inclusive capital on a large scale but also integrate GESI principles into every investment choice and policy, thus closing gaps, unlocking Nigeria's full economic potential, and ensuring our growth is genuinely fair and impactful.”
Jessica Espinoza, the CEO of 2X Global, an international organization focused on gender lens investing, gave a compelling keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of deliberate efforts: "Progress must be planned, not left to chance, which is why the GESI roadmap serves as a crucial guide for Nigeria's future. It's an essential structure for purposefully removing financial obstacles, supporting women, young people, and individuals with disabilities, and realizing the country's complete economic capacity."
The conference included positive statements from well-known speakers, panel debates, informal conversations, and speeches by prominent individuals in the finance, business, and policy fields.
As part of an immediate effort to support real-world investments, the summit included a special, face-to-face deal room. This distinctive platform offered a clear pathway for women-led and women-owned businesses that are ready for investment to connect with capital sources, such as impact investors, fund managers, and development finance organizations.
This plan was created with significant assistance from various notable institutions and organizations, such as PwC Nigeria, GIZ, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, which is supported by the UK's International Development department.
The third Gender Impact Investment Summit, alongside the introduction of the GESI Roadmap and the Nigeria Inclusive Capital Commitment 2035 Initiative, highlights the Impact Investors Foundation's commitment to creating practical solutions that foster a gender-equal economy, promoting both profitability and social impact in Nigeria.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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