Honoured to have moderated the synthesis session at the 8th Annual Convening on Impact Investing #ACII2025, hosted by Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) and the Nigerian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing NABII.
This year’s convening, themed “Strengthening and Scaling the Nigerian Impact Economy,” brought together a powerful community of policymakers, DFIs, venture builders, fund managers, and ecosystem leaders shaping the future of inclusive growth in Nigeria.
Moderating a conversation at the intersection of policy reform, catalytic capital, data-driven insights, and real-economy outcomes was a meaningful moment for me, especially as Nigeria deepens its ambition to build a coherent, globally competitive impact economy.
Grateful to the leadership of Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) for the invitation and for their continuous work in strengthening Nigeria’s impact investment architecture.
Looking forward to deepening these conversations and, more importantly, translating them into programmes, partnerships, and policies that deliver real outcomes for young Africans.
#ImpactInvesting #NigeriaImpactEconomy #GEW2025 #CatalyticCapital #InclusiveGrowth #ecosystembuilding
#AfricaDay: I had the privilege of speaking on a powerful panel discussion titled “Empowering African Industries: Building Capacity for Sustainable Growth” as part of the Africa Day celebrations hosted by Arcadia and the Africa Day Company.
It was more than just a conversation, it was absolutely necessary!
We explored the hard truths and hopeful possibilities behind Africa’s industrial ambitions.
From the promise of Special Economic Zones and cluster-based growth to the reality of underutilized local value chains, it became clear that building sustainable industries on the continent will require more than policy tweaks, it demands bold partnerships, skilled talent, and a new kind of leadership.
I walked away reminded of this: Africa is not short on potential, we are short on structures that convert that potential into prosperity.
Grateful to have shared the stage with incredible minds Ifeoma Finnih, Habibah A. Waziri Ezinne Nwazulu
…and even more grateful for the reminder that our work, whether in policy, entrepreneurship, or development, must always be anchored in impact.
Thank you to the brilliant team at Arcadia and the Africa Day Company for curating such a thoughtful experience. Let’s keep the conversation and the transformation going.
#AfricaDay2025 #IndustrialDevelopment #AfricaRising #partnershipsforimpact
My recent trip to Senegal? Easily one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
The culture? Rich.
The food? ….good, still rate Nigeria’s Jollof 👌🏾
The music? Vibes on vibes…
The people? Warmer than Lagos traffic at noon.
And the weather? Perfectly chill….i think the word is “…Clement”…Honestly, Lagos needs to take notes.
But the real moment that hit different? My visit to Gorée Island.
Now, I have been to historical sites before, but standing in the very room where enslaved Africans were held, I felt something shift in me. It was in that moment that I realized something deep, something powerful… something my ancestors have probably been waiting for me to figure out.
I am a rebel!
Now, before you picture me in Naija leading a protest with a fist in the air, let me explain…..These were not just enslaved people. They were the ones who refused to be broken. The ones who said, “Actually, no. We are not doing this.” The ones who fought back, escaped, and inspired others to resist. They were called rebels because they could not be controlled. And trust me, the punishment for that level of audacity was brutal.
Some were sent to the harshest colonies, like Jamaica, where they ran into the mountains and became the Maroons, living free and fighting back. Others were sent to Haiti, where they took things to a whole new level, overthrew their oppressors, and created the first Black republic. Imagine fighting for your life so hard that you accidentally start a whole country. Iconic.
Standing in that room, I felt their fire. And I finally understood why I connect with them so much. Because, just like them, I always refuse to be dimmed, controlled, or silenced. Being a rebel is not just about resisting oppression. It is about standing in your truth and refusing to bow, no matter how hard the world tries to break you.
So yes, I left Gorée Island with more than just memories. I left with a reminder of the strength I carry within.
Long live the rebels.
