Social impact and industry leaders have urged global conglomerates, African businesses, philanthropies, and foundations gathered in Davosto champion social progress for African women and girls.
Attendees of the two events organised by Brands on a Mission (BoaM), the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and Tiko a non-profit leveraging technology to transform sexual and reproductive health, highlighted the social and economic benefits that can be realised through investment in African women and girls.
“As a woman and a 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,” said BoaM founder and chief mission officer Myriam Sidibe said.
Investment in women and girls, who constitute 50 percent of Africa’s population, is not only wise but essential, as they influence up to 70 percent of consumer spending and are the key decision-makers for four out of five products purchased in their households. Protecting the interests of women and girls concurrently safeguards economic growth on the African continent.
According to the World Health Organisation, inadequate access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services and products accounts for approximately 73 million induced abortions in Africa, while over one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired each day.
Nearly one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by a non-partner during their lifetime, and almost half of all abortions are unsafe.

“In a rapidly evolving global landscape, businesses are increasingly challenged to find meaningful ways to align profit with purpose. Investing in African girls presents a unique opportunity to bridge this gap. 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,” added professor Sidibe.
The organisers of the two events held at the Goals House and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) tent called for a world where private sector investment in evidence-based, impact-first initiatives that support African girls and young women becomes the norm rather than the exception.
The World Economic Forum in Davos convenes government, business, and civil society leaders to tackle key global and regional challenges such as responding to geopolitical shocks, addressing the climate crisis, and stimulating growth to improve living standards.
Speakers at the first event at the Goals House included professor Myriam Sidibe, who moderated the session, alongside climate and equality campaigner Paul Polman; Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Jumoke Oduwole; executive director of Yellowwoods Nicola Galombik; executive VP of global programmes at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Payal Dalal; and director and pillar lead for Girl Capital Africa at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Sophie Hodder, .
The second event at the SDG tent, also moderated by professor Sidibe, featured speakers including pillar lead and director for Girl Capital Africa at CIFF Sophie Hodder; president/CEO of One Campaign Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli; chief corporate affairs & communications officer at Flora Food Group, Hermann Betten; and co-founder and CEO of Tiko Benoit Renard.