Nigeria urged to deepen impact investing

The Chairperson of Nigeria’s National Advisory Board for Impact Investing, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, described impact investing as key to unlocking value across various economic sectors.

Awosika, who also serves as Vice Chairperson of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment, made this statement during a roundtable meeting on Monday in Lagos.

The event served as a prelude to the 2025 Africa Impact Summit Study Tour scheduled to take place in Nigeria.

She said impact investing can address challenges in education, agriculture, enterprise growth, youth employment and other critical sectors of the economy.

“To deliver impact through investing, we must transform the processes, including policies and all segments of the value chain.

“This involves building the right systems, involving key players, removing bottlenecks and activating the value chain to drive economic growth,” Awosika added.

She noted that Nigeria’s impact investment journey began in 2019, with foundational structures and ecosystem development gradually taking shape.

“Various stakeholders who can strengthen the ecosystem are now learning how to collaborate to build a functional and effective system,” she said.

Awosika stressed the importance of a holistic approach involving government, private sector, activists, and international support to foster impact investing.

“This coordinated approach will attract sustainable financing, moving beyond charity to create profitable and viable investment opportunities,” she noted.

She highlighted the significance of local investors, urging the government to introduce enduring policies that help domestic businesses thrive.

“Foreign investors can leave when unhappy, but local investors stay — so the system must prioritise their needs.

“While supporting foreign investment, we must also enhance the environment for local investment to drive lasting growth.

“A thriving economy requires the right policies. Once the right conditions are in place, transformation will follow naturally,” she emphasised.

Ms Etemore Glover, CEO of the Impact Investors Foundation, called for increased access to finance, particularly for women entrepreneurs.

She said there remains a significant gender-based funding gap that needs urgent attention and corrective policies.

“There’s a $42 billion gap between male- and female-led SMEs. This is one key area where change is needed,” Glover noted.

She called for regional policies that ease the movement of goods, finance and reduce transaction costs across African borders.

“These structural reforms, along with empowering local fund managers, are critical to meaningful progress,” she said.

Dr Emeka Vitalis, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, stated that President Tinubu has fostered investment to stabilise the naira.

He noted that each nation must define its own strategy to deepen impact investing among its citizens.

“Funds have been released, and youth-focused initiatives, like consumer credit, are already empowering young entrepreneurs,” Vitalis stated.

He added that access to capital through government loans and grants reflects strong institutional support for youth investors.

“These programmes are enabling young Nigerians to participate in impact investing, though they must develop financial acumen,” he said.

Vitalis said the government, in partnership with private agencies, has provided grants, education and nurturing environments for talent development.

“Africa’s youth population is vibrant, and Nigeria leads by example in fostering impact investment,” he stated.

He noted that while growth is gradual, Nigeria’s strengthening economy will influence the wider African continent positively.

“We expect other African nations to follow this path and make bold progress,” Vitalis said.

Stakeholders underscored the government’s role in unlocking capital for MSMEs through supportive policies and regulations.