In a world where entrepreneurship continues to drive economic growth, women-led startups remain underfunded despite their proven success. Yemi Keri, the newly elected first female President of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) in January 2025, is on a mission to change this narrative. According to her, supporting women-led startups is not just a moral obligation—it is a strategic investment that fosters economic development and innovation across industries.
The Business Case for Investing in Women-Led Startups
Research consistently highlights the higher profitability and efficiency of women-led businesses. As Keri pointed out, Forbes reports that women-led businesses achieve 35% higher returns on investment compared to those led by men. Despite this impressive performance, women entrepreneurs receive a disproportionately small share of funding, making it harder for them to scale their ventures.
“Women looking to build startups should validate their ideas with potential customers before reaching out to investors. Connect with other entrepreneurs, investors, and leverage accelerator programs for scale and visibility. Be confident in your vision, numbers, and ability to execute,” Keri advises.
Bridging the Funding Gap for Women Entrepreneurs
The investment gap for women-led startups remains a major challenge. Many female founders face hurdles such as limited access to venture capital, gender biases in investor decision-making, and inadequate networking opportunities. To address these barriers, ABAN, under Keri’s leadership, is prioritizing initiatives that encourage angel investors to support women-led businesses.
Some of the key strategies to bridge the gap include:
- Encouraging more women to become angel investors, thereby fostering a stronger ecosystem for female entrepreneurs.
- Providing mentorship and access to networks to help women founders refine their business models and pitch effectively to investors.
- Promoting accelerator and incubator programs designed specifically for women-led businesses.
How Women Entrepreneurs Can Secure Investment
For women looking to launch and scale their startups, Keri emphasizes the importance of:
- Validating the Business Idea: Ensure the product or service meets a real market need before approaching investors.
- Networking with Other Entrepreneurs and Investors: Building strong connections can open doors to funding opportunities and collaborations.
- Leveraging Accelerator Programs: These programs offer mentorship, funding, and visibility to help startups scale efficiently.
- Confidence in Execution: Investors are drawn to founders who demonstrate a clear vision, strong financial understanding, and execution ability.
The Future of Women-Led Startups in Africa
With visionary leaders like Yemi Keri at the helm of influential networks like ABAN, the landscape for women entrepreneurs in Africa is poised for transformation. By addressing funding disparities and fostering an ecosystem that supports women-led ventures, Keri’s leadership sets the stage for a more inclusive, innovative, and economically robust Africa.
At Just4WomenAfrica.com, we celebrate women who are breaking barriers and reshaping industries. Stay tuned for more insights on how female entrepreneurs are driving change and securing their place in the global business arena.
