This initiative focuses on supporting young women entrepreneurs in key areas such as digital technology, social enterprises, and the creative industries.

Although African women are among the most active entrepreneurs globally—owning about 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the continent—they continue to face major barriers.

These include limited access to capital, mentorship, professional networks, and digital tools. Currently, women-led businesses receive only 1% of venture capital funding.

The Women LEAD Alliance aims to change that by connecting influential private sector figures, investors, and innovators to help women grow their businesses and contribute to job creation and economic progress.

Ethiopis Tafara, IFC’s Regional Vice President for Africa, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

“Africa’s growth depends on the full inclusion of its people, especially women who are already playing a vital role in entrepreneurship,” he said.

“They’re not just business owners—they’re community builders and job creators. This Alliance is about giving them the resources, exposure, and support they need to thrive.”

The Alliance has launched with eight founding members who are leaders in business and innovation:

• Mo Abudu, CEO of Ebony Life Group

• Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Transnational

• Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers and Executive Director

• Tope Lawani, Co-Founder of Helios Investment Partners

• Esselina Macome, CEO of Financial Sector Deepening Program Mozambique (FSDMoç)

• Thebe Magugu, Director at Thebe Magugu

• Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of the ONE Campaign

• Fred Swaniker, Founder of Sand Technologies and Africa Leadership University

The LEAD Alliance plans to expand to 12 members and will continue to address long-standing hurdles such as lack of funding, market access, and skills training.

It also seeks to leverage Africa’s youthful population—expected to include over 530 million people aged 15 to 35 by 2025, half of them women.

This effort aligns with the World Bank Group’s larger goal of reaching 80 million women and women-led enterprises with access to capital by 2030.

The initiative recognizes the importance of unlocking the economic potential of women to achieve inclusive and sustainable development across Africa.