Global superstar Rihanna is investing in African women’s climate solutions through her Clara Lionel Foundation. The foundation backs Gather Ventures, an impact fund led by Kenyan founder Jo Opot. The fund specifically targets women-led businesses creating environmental solutions across Africa.
Since launching in 2021, the firm has invested mainly in women-led businesses focused on climate resilience and sustainability. Gather Ventures operates with a clear mission: supporting African women founders who champion environmental relief. The fund provides various forms of capital to help these businesses grow and scale their operations.
Kenyan Founder Jo Opot Leads Climate Investment Fund
Jo Opot brings personal experience and deep understanding to her role as Gather Ventures’ founding director. Born in Kenya, she witnessed firsthand the challenges African women face building wealth and businesses. Her upbringing drives her current mission to amplify women-led environmental ventures across the continent.
“In Kenya, women’s constitutional right to inherit property was only legally recognized in 2012,” Opot explained to AFROTECH. “Many women build assets with their partners or families, but if their partners pass away, that wealth often goes to the man’s family, not the woman who contributed. We want to move beyond income to real asset ownership for women so that they can build intergenerational wealth.”
This personal connection to systemic inequalities motivates Opot’s work with Gather Ventures. She understands the importance of creating sustainable pathways for African women to build lasting wealth. The fund addresses both climate challenges and gender inequality simultaneously.
Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation Provides Strategic Backing
Founded by Robyn Rihanna Fenty in 2012, the Clara Lionel Foundation has invested over $100 million in community-led solutions to global challenges since 2012. The foundation focuses on building thriving and resilient communities by supporting local innovators. In 2022, the foundation launched Gather Ventures to meet the needs of entrepreneurs across Africa.
Rihanna’s foundation provides various types of financial support beyond traditional grants. That means debt, equity, convertible notes and bridge financing on top of grants, across Africa. This flexible approach allows entrepreneurs to access the right type of capital for their specific needs and growth stages.
Fund Targets Agriculture, Technology, and Construction Sectors
Gather Ventures is focused on sectors that matter most for women’s economic future: agriculture, construction and technology, education, and workforce development. The fund primarily supports women-led businesses promoting environmental sustainability, accounting for 80% of its investments. These sectors represent both the largest employers of women and the fastest-growing opportunities.
Agriculture remains the largest employer of women across Africa, making it a natural focus area. Meanwhile, construction and technology represent rapidly expanding sectors with significant gender gaps. By targeting these areas, Gather Ventures aims to position women for long-term career success while addressing climate challenges.
Success Stories Include Transportation and Clean Energy Solutions
One notable portfolio company is Mobility for Africa, which provides specially designed tricycles for women riders. These vehicles better accommodate women’s transportation needs while promoting sustainable mobility solutions. The company has expanded its operations and product offerings through Gather Ventures’ support.
Another successful investment is Giraffe Bioenergy, which transforms cassava into multiple useful products. The drought-resistant plant, often grown by women farmers, becomes both nutritious food and clean ethanol cooking fuel. One employee shared: “Since I joined Giraffe Bioenergy my life has really improved. Before I used to eat once a day but now I eat 3 times a day. I can pay all my children’s school fees, they eat, and they have school uniforms.”
Flexible Funding Approach Meets Diverse Business Needs
Gather Ventures takes an instrument-agnostic approach to funding women-led climate ventures. The fund provides grants, working capital, equity, or debt financing based on each company’s specific requirements. This flexibility helps entrepreneurs avoid taking inappropriate capital that could harm their business development.
“We’re instrument agnostic, providing grants, working capital, equity, or debt as needed, helping entrepreneurs avoid taking the wrong capital for the wrong reasons,” Opot explained.
The tailored support system recognizes that different businesses have unique funding needs at various growth stages. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of long-term success for portfolio companies.
Climate Adaptation Focus Addresses Root Causes
Opot emphasizes the importance of climate adaptation over just mitigation strategies. Low-income communities often suffer most from climate impacts they didn’t create. The fund prioritizes solutions that help these communities build resilience against environmental challenges.
“More capital needs to go to climate adaptation and resilience, not just mitigation,” Opot noted. “Low-income communities facing drought didn’t cause it, but they suffer the most. Second, gender needs to be mainstreamed in climate finance because investing in women is proven to be highly effective.”
This approach recognizes that climate solutions must address both environmental and social justice issues. By focusing on adaptation, Gather Ventures helps communities prepare for and respond to climate impacts.
Foundation Expands East African Climate Commitment
Rihanna is significantly expanding her philanthropic footprint in East Africa through her Clara Lionel Foundation, directing substantial resources towards critical climate solutions and empowering women entrepreneurs across the region. This expanded commitment demonstrates long-term dedication to supporting African innovation and climate resilience.
The foundation’s approach aligns with growing recognition that community-led solutions are most effective. Gather invests in ventures that both create climate resilience and drive asset creation for women and girls across Africa, starting by listening to entrepreneurs and learning from local communities. This grassroots approach ensures investments address real community needs and priorities.
