Five African women-led startups will receive $250,000 in funding this September. Nigeria’s LaunchPad program launches at GITEX Startup Festival 2025 in Lagos. The initiative specifically targets Black women entrepreneurs across the continent.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) leads this groundbreaking effort. Partners include Alami Capital and Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission. Together, they’re creating new opportunities for underrepresented founders.
NITDA Partners Launch Revolutionary LaunchPad Initiative for Women Founders
The LaunchPad represents a major shift in African startup funding approaches. This multilayered platform offers visibility, capital, and strategic mentorship to women-led businesses. The program debuts during the two-day festival on September 3-4, 2025.
NITDA Director Gen. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi emphasizes the strategic importance of inclusive financing. He believes funding decisions shape Africa’s economic future significantly. “Who gets funded determines what gets built,” Abdullahi explains about the initiative’s core mission.
The director stresses that women founders must be central to Africa’s innovation economy. He calls closing the gender funding gap “one of the smartest bets” for the continent. This isn’t charity work but essential economic strategy for sustainable growth.
GITEX Startup Festival 2025 Features Comprehensive Support System for Women Entrepreneurs
The LaunchPad includes several key components designed to maximize entrepreneur success. A Funding Pavilion will showcase technology ventures and innovative business models. This visibility platform connects founders directly with potential investors.
“Fireside for Scale” talks bring together African CEOs and global investors. These conversations provide invaluable networking opportunities for participating entrepreneurs. Additionally, Capital Readiness Clinics help founders refine their business funding pitches.
A symbolic bell-ringing ceremony called “To the Stars” celebrates women’s growing market influence. This event highlights the rising prominence of female leaders in African business. Beyond funding, participants receive mentorship, regulatory support, and investor network access.
African Women Face Severe Funding Gap Despite Strong Business Presence
Statistics reveal a troubling disparity in African business funding patterns. Women own nearly 27% of enterprises across the continent currently. They contribute approximately 13% of Africa’s total GDP through their businesses.
However, women-led startups receive just 7% of available venture capital investment. This massive funding gap limits growth potential for successful female entrepreneurs. The disparity represents billions in untapped economic potential across African markets.
Conference and Meetings World data confirms these concerning investment trends. The numbers show systematic underinvestment in women-led ventures despite proven business success. This gap motivates the LaunchPad program’s creation and implementation.
Alami Capital CEO Highlights Economics of Exclusion in Investment Patterns
Alami Capital CEO Olu Olufemi-White witnesses funding inequality daily in his work. He describes the current situation as “the economics of exclusion” affecting African markets. His company partners with NITDA to address these systemic investment challenges.
The CEO focuses on building vetted, investable pipelines of women-led ventures. This approach emphasizes institutional rigor and proven business fundamentals. “Our mission is to shift capital flows and transform investment behavior,” Olufemi-White states.
The ultimate goal involves unlocking Africa’s full innovation potential through inclusive funding. This requires changing how investors evaluate and support women-led startups. The LaunchPad creates measurable pathways toward these transformative changes.
LaunchPad Program Transforms Startup Festivals Into Growth Mechanisms
Traditional startup festivals often function primarily as showcase events for entrepreneurs. The LaunchPad transforms this model into an active growth mechanism. Participants receive tangible resources, networks, and visibility beyond simple presentation opportunities.
This comprehensive approach addresses multiple barriers facing women entrepreneurs simultaneously. Funding, mentorship, and regulatory support work together to maximize success rates. The program creates sustainable pathways for long-term business development.
The initiative represents a new model for supporting underrepresented founders across Africa. Other regions may adopt similar comprehensive approaches to address funding disparities. Nigeria’s leadership in this area could inspire continental change.
