Global Leaders call for bold investments in African women and girls at World Economic Forum

Social impact and industry leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos have issued a resounding call to global conglomerates, African businesses, philanthropies, and foundations to prioritize investments in African women and girls. During two impactful events organized by Brands on a Mission (BoaM), the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Tiko, experts underscored the immense social and economic benefits of advancing the rights and opportunities of African women and girls.

Professor Myriam Sidibe, founder and Chief Mission Officer of BoaM, set the tone with a powerful message:

“As a woman and lifelong advocate for sustainable business practices, I have witnessed the transformative power of investing in Africa’s greatest resource: its girls. They are not only the future of our continent but also the untapped potential that can drive unprecedented economic and social change.”

Women and girls constitute 50 percent of Africa’s population, and their influence extends beyond demographics. They drive up to 70 percent of consumer spending and make key purchasing decisions for four out of five household products. Investing in their well-being, education, and empowerment is not only morally imperative but also economically strategic.

However, despite their significant role, African women and girls face alarming challenges. According to the World Health Organization, poor access to sexual and reproductive health services results in approximately 73 million induced abortions annually in Africa, many of which are unsafe. Every day, over one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired, and nearly one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes.

Professor Sidibe emphasized that businesses have a unique opportunity to align profit with purpose:

“In a rapidly evolving global landscape, businesses are increasingly challenged to find meaningful ways to align profit with purpose. By empowering young women through education, skills development, and access to critical resources, we lay the foundation for vibrant markets, resilient communities, and innovative ecosystems.

Held at the Goals House and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) tent, the two events brought together a dynamic roster of speakers, including global business leaders, policymakers, and advocates for equality.

The SDG tent event featured:

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President/CEO, One Campaign, Hermann Betten, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer, Flora Food Group, Benoit Renard, Co-founder & CEO, Tiko

These thought leaders urged businesses to invest in evidence-based, impact-first initiatives that protect the rights of women and girls while unlocking Africa’s vast potential for economic growth and innovation.

The forum’s hosts and speakers shared a collective vision of a world where investing in African women and girls is not the exception but the norm. Such investments promise to transform lives, foster sustainable development, and accelerate progress toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

BoaM’s flagship initiative, African Voices, is already driving this agenda by elevating the profile of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in sub-Saharan Africa. BoaM collaborates with brands, policymakers, and public health leaders to deliver tailored solutions that create sustainable impact across sectors.

As the World Economic Forum continues to address global and regional challenges, the events organized by BoaM, CIFF, and Tiko have amplified a crucial message: Investing in African women and girls is an investment in the continent’s future. The world’s private sector leaders are being challenged to move beyond rhetoric and commit to actionable solutions that protect and empower Africa’s most significant resource—its women and girls.

Speakers at the Goals House event included:

Paul Polman, Business Leader and Climate and Equalities Campaigner

Hon. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade, Investment, and Industry

Nicola Galombik, Executive Director of Yellowwoods

Payal Dalal, Executive VP, Global Programs, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Sophie Hodder, Director, Girl Capital Africa, CIFF