Lagos, Nigeria – The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive green growth and sustainable development across Africa, with a particular focus on empowering women in key economic sectors. The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, made the statement at the second edition of W.O.M.A.N. (Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition) by Alitheia, a high-level forum held today, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Lagos.
The forum, co-hosted by Alitheia Capital, a gender-lens impact investing firm, and Manufacturing Africa, a UK government programme, addressed the urgent need for sustainable manufacturing and energy transition, especially for women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. Discussions underscored the acute pressures faced by SMEs amidst Nigeria’s rising energy costs and electricity tariffs, making sustainable energy adoption both an environmental necessity and an economic imperative. Insights from Alitheia Capital’s own portfolio highlighted that adopting renewable energy solutions can lead to operational cost reductions of up to 60%, demonstrating the financial viability of such transitions for scaling women-led businesses.
Mr. Baxter stated that the UK is “proud to collaborate with Alitheia Capital… to drive Africa’s green industrial future,” recognising the “indispensable role of women in this transition.” He reiterated the UK’s commitment to expanding access to capital and capabilities to ensure sustainable growth through targeted investments and strategic private partnerships. Tokunboh Ishmael, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Alitheia Capital, echoed this sentiment, asserting that sustainability is “an economic imperative,” especially for women entrepreneurs. She added that the event not only spotlights solutions but aims to scale them, citing the proven cost reductions in their portfolio.
The event saw the launch of two significant initiatives: Alitheia Capital’s Nzinga, an SME capacity-building platform designed to equip entrepreneurs for sustainable scaling, and Manufacturing Africa’s Green Business Building (GBB) accelerator, aimed at fostering green businesses and creating an ecosystem for green manufacturing and jobs in Nigeria. The forum also featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with prominent industry leaders. The day concluded with a resounding call to action for expanded access to capital, strengthened ecosystems, and policies that support inclusive green industrialisation.
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