- February 28, 2025
- Posted by: Kusumi
- Category: Articles
Aruwa Capital Digest
A summary of the latest news across our ecosystem
Welcome to the eighth edition of the Aruwa Capital Digest! We’re excited to share the latest developments, highlights, and insights from Aruwa Capital in the month of February.
1. Aruwa Insider
Aruwa Capital Strategy Retreat 2025
Over two days at The George Lagos, the Aruwa Capital team gathered for our Annual Strategy Retreat, a time to refine our investment approach, assess market trends, and align on execution priorities for the year ahead. From deep dives into macroeconomic shifts and portfolio performance to structuring high value exits for Fund I, every discussion was driven by data, discipline, and impact. With insights from renowned industry leaders, we reinforced our commitment to investing with precision, backing transformative businesses, and ensuring sustainable value creation.
Read more in our newsletter here- https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?e=32b81183cc&u=74babea9f0ace337a4fdbd832&id=c62cd46420
Aruwa visits AgroEknor in Kano
As part of our ongoing investment monitoring and value creation, Aruwa Capital representatives, Tosin Olasoji and Kunle Akinola, visited AgroEknor in Kano, one of our fast growing portfolio companies. The visit focused on a comprehensive and strategic session with the Inventory teams and the Finance Department to strengthen operational efficiency. At Aruwa Capital, we believe that active ongoing engagement and collaboration with our portfolio companies are key to driving sustainable growth.
2. Community Building (Partners for Impact)
Aruwa Capital featured in Investisseurs et Partenaires SME report
Aruwa Capital Management was featured in Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) latest publication, “How Can African SME Funds Mobilise More Capital?” The report explores challenges, strategies, and the vital role of local capital in SME funding. Aruwa was recognised in the report for its innovative fundraising approach for Aruwa Fund I, successfully mobilising local capital while securing institutional investor commitments. In a sector traditionally dominated by DFIs, Aruwa’s ability to tap into high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices globally, sets a strong precedent for first-time and women-led fund managers in Africa.
Read the full report here- https://www.ietp.com/en/content/how-can-african-sme-funds-mobilise-more-capital
Aruwa Capital Recognised for Driving Growth in Agribusiness by African PE News
Our portfolio company, AgroEknor, was highlighted among the top five agribusiness deals in Africa Private Equity News’ Dealmaker’s Log, reinforcing Aruwa Capital’s commitment to investing in high-growth businesses driving economic impact. Since our initial investment in 2021, AgroEknor has expanded its processing capacity, secured one of only seven approved hibiscus processing chambers in Nigeria, and strengthened its export capabilities. This recognition of our follow on investment in June 2024, underscores our dedication to scaling businesses that create jobs, enhance value addition, and drive sustainable growth across Africa.
Read the full article here- https://www.africaprivateequitynews.com/p/five-notable-african-agribusiness
Aruwa Capital Thought Leadership – February 2025
Here are some thought leadership pieces written by the Aruwa team in the month, posted across Aruwa Capital social media platforms.
Local Capital, Lasting Impact
This article emphasises the need for African investors to take the lead in driving sustainable growth, highlighting how Aruwa Capital is proving that local capital, combined with deep market knowledge creates lasting impact.
Read the full article here- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7298607348380577792
Technology for Disruption, Scale & Impact
This article emphasises Aruwa Capital’s commitment to investing in businesses that leverage technology for disruption, and scale across critical sectors.
Read the full article here- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7299705744893865984
Strategic Market Positioning
This article emphasises Aruwa Capital’s unique positioning, bridging the funding gap between venture capital and private equity, investing in de-risked and fast growing businesses often overlooked by traditional investors.
Read the full article here- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7295370694786211842
The Aruwa Gender Lens Advantage
This article emphasises the transformative power of gender lens investing in Africa, highlighting how Aruwa Capital is bridging the funding gap for women-founded or women led or women-focused businesses.
Read the full article here- https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7294987721461174273
Voices of Influence (Speaking Engagements)
Aruwa Capital at the Omniverse Africa Summit 2.0
Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes represented Aruwa Capital at the Omniverse Summit 2025, joining a distinguished gathering of innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs focused on shaping Africa’s future. Moderating the panel on “Women’s Forum: Breaking Barriers, Driving Inclusive Innovation in Africa’s Startup Ecosystem” Adesuwa led a critical discussion on the systemic barriers female founders face in accessing capital. She highlighted how strategic partnerships and gender-lens investing can drive transformative change across the continent, sharing insights on unlocking capital for high-impact businesses and reinforcing the role of private equity in fostering sustainable economic growth.
5. Portfolio News
Agroeknor
https://www.africaprivateequitynews.com/p/five-notable-african-agribusiness
Omniretail
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/omniretail-technology-limited_omniretail-africatechsummit-
6. Birthday Cheers
Happy Birthday, Adesuwa!
We are thrilled to celebrate one special birthday at Aruwa Capital
Our founder, Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes’ birthday!
At Aruwa Capital, we marked the occasion with gratitude for her visionary leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to driving impact. Adesuwa’s dedication to transforming private equity through gender-lens investing continues to inspire us all. Wishing her a year filled with continued success, growth, and groundbreaking achievements!
7. On the Horizon
Oxford Africa Business Forum
Aruwa Capital is heading to Oxford! Our founder, Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, has been invited to speak at the 2025 Africa Business Forum at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, taking place from March 14th-15th. This year’s theme, “Africa’s Growth Trajectory: Globalization vs. Domestic Collaboration,” will spark critical discussions on Africa’s evolving role in the global economy. Adesuwa would be speaking on the panel titled “Financing Africa’s Growth from Within” sharing insights on the importance of local capital in driving long term and sustainable impact on the continent.
NESG Private Sector Business Forum
Our founder, Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, will be representing Aruwa Capital at the Private Sector Business Forum, hosted by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) on March 6, 2025, in Lagos. As Nigeria’s private sector faces economic headwinds, from inflationary pressures to exchange rate volatility, this forum will bring together key stakeholders to explore strategies for resilience and sustainable growth. Adesuwa would be moderating a panel on “Emerging Business challenges and Coping Strategies in 2025” in discussion with thought leaders from various sectors on building with resilience.
NGX International Women’s Day Plenary 2025
Our founder, Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, will be representing Aruwa Capital as a Plenary Discussant at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) International Women’s Day celebration on March 7, 2025, in Lagos. Under the theme “Accelerate Action for All Women: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” this year’s event will drive conversations on advancing gender equality and creating sustainable pathways for inclusion. Adesuwa will share insights on “Accelerating Women’s Economic Empowerment – Breaking Barriers, Building the Future”.
From Strategy to Execution
With renewed energy and a clear strategic focus, Aruwa Capital is set to turn plans into action. The team retreat was a moment of reflection and recalibration, and now we remain focused on execution. Armed with refined strategies, measurable KPIs, and an unwavering commitment to impact, we are ready to navigate the year ahead with precision and purpose. 2025 is about delivering results, deepening our impact, and staying ahead of the curve, because at Aruwa, we don’t just plan, we build for lasting change.
Here’s to a year of action, resilience, and transformation!
Thank You for Joining Us!
We appreciate your support and engagement, stay tuned for more exciting developments as we continue to drive positive change and foster sustainable growth. We look forward to sharing our journey with you and thank you for being a part of it.
Warm regards,
The Aruwa Capital Team