By: Bunmi Yekini
Social impact leaders and industry heavyweights have called for greater private-sector investment to advance African women and girls’ social and economic progress. The appeal was made during two high-profile events held at the World Economic Forum in Davos, organised by Brands on a Mission (BoaM), the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Tiko, a non-profit revolutionising sexual and reproductive health through technology.
Professor Myriam Sidibe, Founder and Chief Mission Officer of BoaM, made a passionate case for the transformative power of investing in African girls, describing them as Africa’s “greatest resource.”
“As a woman and a lifelong advocate for sustainable business practices, I have witnessed the transformative power of investing in Africa’s greatest resource: its girls. They are not only the future of our continent but also the untapped potential that can drive unprecedented economic and social change,” she stated.
The statistics paint a stark picture: African women and girls, who make up 50% of the continent’s population, drive up to 70% of consumer spending and influence 80% of household purchasing decisions. Yet, challenges like inadequate access to sexual and reproductive health services persist, with the World Health Organization reporting 73 million induced abortions and over one million new sexually transmitted infections occurring annually on the continent.
Professor Sidibe argued that these investments are not only socially imperative but also economically strategic.
“In a rapidly evolving global landscape, businesses are increasingly challenged to find meaningful ways to align profit with purpose. Investing in African girls offers a unique opportunity to bridge this gap,” she emphasised. “By empowering young women through education, skills development, and access to critical resources, we lay the foundation for vibrant markets, resilient communities, and innovative ecosystems.”
Speakers at the events included business leader Paul Polman; Nigeria’s Minister of Trade, Investment, and Industry, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Nicola Galombik, Executive Director of Yellowwoods; and Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President/CEO of One Campaign, among others. They highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based, impact-first initiatives in Africa and called on global conglomerates and African businesses to prioritise these investments.
“We need a world where investing in girls is not the exception but the norm,” said Sophie Hodder, Director of Girl Capital Africa at CIFF.