The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) has unveiled an ambitious plan to channel $8 billion into gender-inclusive investments across Nigeria over the next decade. This initiative, known as the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Roadmap 2025–2035, aims to empower women, youth, and people with disabilities (PwDs), fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economic future.Launched at the third Gender Impact Investment Summit (GIIS) in Lagos, the roadmap outlines a comprehensive 10-year strategy to integrate inclusive investment practices into Nigeria’s economy.
Developed in collaboration with PwC Nigeria, the plan sets ambitious targets, including mobilizing $8 billion in capital, creating 40 inclusive financial products, and establishing a $1.5 billion domestic capital pool. Additionally, it seeks to achieve 90% adoption of GESI principles among General Partners and enact 20 policy reforms to support inclusive development.The GESI Roadmap focuses on three key areas: access to capital, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
By addressing these areas, the initiative aims to dismantle barriers hindering the economic participation of marginalized groups. The plan emphasizes the importance of gender-lens investing, which considers the impact of investments on gender equality and social inclusion. Etemore Glover, CEO of the Impact Investors Foundation, highlighted the significance of the roadmap, stating, “This is a transformative moment for Nigeria. We are not just investing in businesses; we are investing in people, in communities, and in the future of our nation.” He emphasized that the roadmap is a call to action for all stakeholders to commit to inclusive growth.
The Nigerian government has shown strong support for the initiative. In June 2025, the Federal Ministry of Finance announced a $50 million commitment to the Nigeria Wholesale Impact Investment Fund (WIIF), marking the first close of the fund at $100 million. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, hosted a high-level delegation comprising leaders from the IIF, the Global Steering Group (GSG) for Impact Investment, and key private-sector stakeholders. The Ministry described the initiative as a demonstration of the government’s firm commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth.
The statement noted, “This strategic initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of achieving 7% annual economic growth, with a focus on critical sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation.” The GESI Roadmap aligns with global trends towards sustainable and inclusive investment. It reflects a growing recognition that economic development must be inclusive to be sustainable.
By focusing on marginalized groups, the initiative aims to create a more equitable economic landscape in Nigeria.The roadmap also emphasizes the importance of data and transparency in tracking progress. Regular reporting and monitoring will ensure accountability and allow for adjustments to be made as needed. The IIF plans to collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations, to implement the roadmap effectively.
As Nigeria moves forward with this inclusive capital plan, the success of the GESI Roadmap will depend on the collective efforts of all sectors to embrace inclusive investment practices. The initiative offers a blueprint for integrating gender equity and social inclusion into the fabric of Nigeria’s economic development, aiming to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
