Nathalie Gogue Ebo, a trailblazer from Togo, is the first African female Partner at Open Capital Advisors (OCA). As the Head of West Africa and the Gender Practice, she has played a pivotal role in empowering female entrepreneurs and 2X-eligible businesses, helping mobilize over $790 million in funding.
In 2019, Nathalie spearheaded Open Capital’s expansion in West Africa, establishing a strong presence in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Ghana. Under her leadership, the West Africa offices have grown to include over 30 full-time team members who have completed more than 100 engagements in both Anglophone and Francophone markets. Nathalie’s impressive academic background includes an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and degrees in industrial engineering from the Université du Québec, Trois-Rivières, and Georgia Institute of Technology.
Shaping Business and Leadership in Africa
Having worked in over 20 countries, Nathalie shared with Just4WomenAfrica how this experience has shaped her perspective on business and leadership. She highlighted that while African markets share certain commonalities, businesses must remain market-driven to succeed. “You tend to see elements that are consistent across Africa,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding local contexts and tailoring strategies accordingly.
Addressing Climate Change and Unlocking Climate Finance
When asked about climate change’s impact on African businesses and OCA’s role in addressing it, Nathalie acknowledged Africa’s vulnerability despite being the least contributor to global emissions. She shared that Open Capital has been instrumental in unlocking over $800 million in climate finance for African businesses.
“We help businesses position themselves to attract climate finance, design interventions they can implement, and provide training to integrate climate issues into their operations,” she explained. Through these efforts, Open Capital is actively helping African businesses become more resilient and sustainable.
Breaking Barriers as a Female Leader
As the first African woman elected Partner at Open Capital Advisors, Nathalie described the milestone as a “big moment” in her career. She sees her achievement as opening doors for many women who aspire to leadership roles in the financial sector.
Key Skills for Leading Across Diverse Markets
Speaking about leading in both Anglophone and Francophone markets, Nathalie observed that while there are similarities between the regions, effective leadership requires adaptability and cultural sensitivity. Building trust and understanding diverse perspectives are essential for success.
Challenges in Accessing Funding for African Businesses
Discussing the challenges businesses face in accessing funding, Nathalie highlighted issues such as the high collateral requirements from financial institutions and steep interest rates. She emphasized the importance of increasing women’s representation in financial decision-making roles.
“Having more women involved in the dispersal of funds will result in more women entrepreneurs receiving the financing they need to grow their businesses,” she said.
Conclusion
Nathalie Gogue Ebo’s contributions to business and gender equality across Africa are inspiring. From unlocking millions in funding to championing climate finance, she is making a lasting impact. Her leadership continues to pave the way for the next generation of women leaders in Africa.
