Investors commit $250,000 to bridge credit gap for women businesses

The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) has secured soft investment commitments worth about $250,000 (over N345 Million) aimed at addressing the persistent lack of access to credit for women-led enterprises and underserved groups in Nigeria. The commitments were announced during the 4th Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS), held under the theme, “From Commitment to Action: Strengthening […]

The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) has secured soft investment commitments worth about $250,000 (over N345 Million) aimed at addressing the persistent lack of access to credit for women-led enterprises and underserved groups in Nigeria.

The commitments were announced during the 4th Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS), held under the theme,

“From Commitment to Action: Strengthening Inclusive Gender Lens Investment for Nigeria’s Growth.”

The summit brought together policymakers, development finance institutions, investors, regulators, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate gender-inclusive investment and strengthen economic opportunities for women, youths, and persons living with disabilities.

Speaking at the summit, Chief Executive Officer of the Impact Investors Foundation, Etemore Glover, described the report as a strategic tool for dismantling barriers that continue to limit access to finance for women and vulnerable groups.

“The GESI Baseline Report is more than a document; it is the data-driven foundation required to fix structural barriers in our financial system.

“While women own nearly 40 per cent of Nigerian businesses, they receive a disproportionately small share of formal credit. This report empowers stakeholders to identify acute gaps and benchmark progress as we move toward a truly inclusive economy,” she added.

Chair of GSG Nigeria Partner and Vice Chair of GSG Impact, Ibukun Awosika, stressed the importance of embedding gender equity principles into investment and policy decisions.

“By providing the data-driven foundation needed to benchmark progress, it demands that stakeholders not only mobilise inclusive capital at scale but also embed GESI and gender lens investment principles into every investment decision and policy,” she stated.

She noted that inclusive financing remains critical to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and ensuring equitable growth.

Delivering the keynote address titled, “Turning Gender Equity into Economic Advantage,” His Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Sarkin Kano, called for deliberate action to dismantle structural barriers limiting women’s participation in the financial system.

Sanusi said gender equality should be seen not only as a social responsibility but also as a key driver of national economic prosperity.