We Must Invest In Women-Led Start-ups – Expert

Tosin Clegg

Seasoned fintech expert, Nelly Nneli, with extensive experience in driving financial inclusion for women and SMEs in Africa, has called on investors to support women-led startups.

She made this assertion in a media statement recently, stating that investing in women-led startups is crucial for driving Africa’s economic growth potential, as women are key drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent.

According to Nneli, “Women-led startups are underserved and underfunded, yet they hold immense potential for driving economic growth and creating jobs. It’s imperative that we prioritize their growth and provide them with the necessary resources to thrive.”

Nneli emphasized that investing in women-led startups is a sound business strategy. “Studies have shown that women-led startups tend to be more capital-efficient, generate higher returns on investment, and have a higher survival rate than their male-led counterparts,” she noted.

Despite these benefits, women-led startups continue to face significant barriers to accessing funding.

Nneli pointed out that women-led startups receive less than 2% of global venture capital funding, and only 7% of venture capital funding in Africa goes to women-led startups.

To address this funding gap, Nneli called on investors, governments, and development organizations to prioritize supporting women-led startups.

“We need to create a more inclusive and equitable funding ecosystem that recognizes the value and potential of women-led startups,” she urged.

Nneli also underscored the importance of providing women-led startups with access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and digital literacy training.

“These resources are critical for helping women-led startups scale and grow, and for creating a more level playing field for women entrepreneurs,” she said.

Furthermore, Nneli highlighted the importance of policy reforms and regulatory changes that support women-led startups.

“Governments and regulatory bodies can play a critical role in creating an enabling environment for women-led startups to thrive,” she added.

Nneli stressed the need for greater representation of women in leadership positions within the fintech industry.

“Women’s perspectives and experiences are essential for creating financial products and services that meet the needs of women and girls,” she said.

She concluded, “Investing in women-led startups is a critical step towards driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting financial inclusion in Africa.”

Nelly Nneli is a seasoned fintech expert with over a decade of experience in driving financial inclusion for women and SMEs in Africa.

She has worked with various organizations, including banks, fintech companies, and development institutions, to design and implement financial products and services that cater to the needs of women and girls.