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Onome Amuge
Nigeria’s quest to close its gender financing gap is set to take a decisive turn as the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) prepares to host the third edition of its Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS) on October 2, 2025, at the Civic Centre in Lagos. Unlike previous editions, which emphasised dialogue and advocacy, this year’s summit will focus on execution, ushering in what organisers describe as a new era of inclusive capital mobilisation.
With the theme “Investing in Equity: Advancing Gender-Led Solutions for Inclusive Development,” the summit will mark the official unveiling of the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Roadmap, a strategic framework designed to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent women, youth, and persons with disabilities from accessing finance in Nigeria.
The GESI Roadmap is being positioned as more than a policy statement. According to IIF, it will provide actionable steps for financial institutions, investors, policymakers, and enterprise support organisations to adopt gender-inclusive practices that are not only socially responsible but also commercially rewarding.
“This summit is about more than just talk; it’s about action. By shifting our focus from advocacy to a powerful business strategy, we’re proving that investing with a gender lens isn’t just about doing good—it’s about achieving higher returns,” said Etemore Glover, CEO of IIF.
One of the most anticipated features of the 2025 edition is the introduction of in-person and virtual deal rooms. These will allow investment-ready, women-led businesses to directly engage with fund managers and impact investors. By facilitating these real-time connections, organisers hope to move beyond abstract pledges and catalyse actual flows of capital into underfunded enterprises.
Studies have consistently shown that women entrepreneurs in Nigeria face disproportionate barriers in raising growth capital, despite evidence that gender-diverse teams tend to outperform financially. Analysts note that in a country where women account for nearly half of the labour force but receive less than 20 per cent of formal financing, bridging the gender finance gap could unlock significant economic potential.
The summit is expected to draw a wide mix of participants, including entrepreneurs, financial institutions, development finance agencies, government policymakers, and global industry leaders. Jessica Espinoza, CEO of 2X Global,a body dedicated to advancing gender lens investing,will deliver the keynote address.
The long-term goal, according to the IIF, is to position Nigeria as a leader in gender-inclusive investment on the continent. “Through GIIS, we are showing that economic prosperity and social impact can go hand-in-hand,” Glover said.
