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While women in Africa run 40% of SMBs, they only have access to 1% of venture capital. Aruwa Capital is working to bridge this funding gap for women entrepreneurs across the continent, targeting venture capital and private equity investments for gender-diverse SMBs across sectors of healthcare, fintech, renewable energy, and essential consumer goods. As one of fewer than ten private equity firms in Africa that is owned and led by women, Visa Foundation has invested $4 million to support Aruwa’s efforts to demonstrate both the social and economic impact of uplifting business created for and by women.

ACCESS IN ACTION: Jumoke Dada, Founder and CEO of Taeillo

An architect by trade, Jumoke Dada believes in the power of thoughtful design to address complicated challenges, create opportunities, and make the world a more beautiful place. While working in the furniture industry early in her career, Jumoke found that many African furniture manufacturers were sourcing raw materials from Europe and other global regions. Additionally, imported furnishings produced off continent were often bulky, more expensive, and required months-long delivery wait times.

Harnessing her experience, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, Jumoke seized the opportunity to create a Lagos-based furniture company that produces affordable, well-made products featuring local materials, resources, and Afrocentric design elements not largely found in current offerings. Her company, Taeillo, is now revolutionizing the regional flat-pack furniture space—meeting the market demand with stylish, accessible products while creating jobs and economic opportunities within the regional supply chain.