ALITHEIA MOVES TO CLOSE CAPITAL GAP FOR WOMEN-LED BUSINESSES

Alitheia Capital is stepping up efforts to address the financing challenges facing women-led businesses in Nigeria, particularly those operating in manufacturing, agribusiness and nutrition.

The investment firm is using its W.O.M.A.N. initiative to help women-owned businesses become more investment-ready while improving their access to finance, markets, technology and business support.

The programme is designed to tackle some of the major barriers limiting the growth of women-led enterprises, including difficulties accessing structured finance, high operating costs, weak business systems and limited market opportunities. 

Alitheia said the initiative brings together entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, policymakers and other ecosystem players to create practical pathways for women-led businesses to scale.

The firm’s Alitheia IDF, a gender-focused private equity fund, has also been established to invest in women-led and women-focused businesses across Africa. The fund reached a final close of $100m and aims to address the investment gap affecting female entrepreneurs. 

The latest W.O.M.A.N. programme will focus on investment readiness, capital structuring, green manufacturing, market access and digital learning.

Alitheia said strengthening women-led enterprises would support job creation, industrial development and broader economic inclusion across Africa.