About WiFAI | Women in Agribusiness UK & Africa
UK-AFRICA Women in Food and Agribusiness Investment Summit 2025
The Pressing Need for WiFAI London 2025
- 1p for Every £1: Women-led businesses receive just 1p of every £1 of venture capital investment in the UK, leaving female entrepreneurs with a fraction of the funding required to scale.
- 2p for Fully Female-Founded Businesses: For every £1 of equity investment, only 2p flows to fully female-founded businesses. This gap has remained unchanged for the past decade, highlighting the need for immediate action.
- 1p for Every £1: Women-led businesses receive just 1p of every £1 of venture capital investment in the UK, leaving female entrepreneurs with a fraction of the funding required to scale.
- $42 Billion Shortfall: Women entrepreneurs across Africa face an extraordinary $42 billion shortfall in financing, with $15.6 billion of that deficit directly impacting the agricultural sector—a cornerstone of Africa’s economy.
- Less Than 7% of Funding: In 2021, women-led startups in Africa received less than 7% of all funding, reflecting the systemic barriers to female empowerment in the industry.
- Funding Imbalance: For every $25 raised in funding, female-led startups in Africa receive only $1. This ongoing imbalance severely limits women’s ability to lead and innovate within their economies.
- $42 Billion Shortfall: Women entrepreneurs across Africa face an extraordinary $42 billion shortfall in financing, with $15.6 billion of that deficit directly impacting the agricultural sector—a cornerstone of Africa’s economy.
Why This Summit Matters
Why the UK and Africa Are Coming Together at WiFAI London 2025
The need to redefine investment in the food and agribusiness sectors is a global issue, and collaboration between the UK and Africa is not just necessary—it’s essential. The disparities in funding faced by women in both regions are striking, but by joining forces, they can create transformative solutions.
Shared Vision, Shared Challenges
Economic Growth Through Agriculture: Both the UK and Africa recognise that agriculture is a cornerstone for economic growth. Women are central to this, whether in sustainable farming or agribusiness innovation. However, women in both regions face similar challenges—from limited access to capital to systemic barriers preventing them from scaling their businesses.
Unlocking Global Opportunities
UK’s Expertise and Africa’s Potential: The UK, with its advanced agricultural systems, investment networks, and financial expertise, can partner with Africa, which holds vast untapped potential in agribusiness. By sharing knowledge, capital, and innovative technologies, both regions can empower women to drive sustainable development and create new markets.
A Cross-Continental Network
Investment Flow from North to South: The UK can unlock greater investment opportunities in Africa, fostering cross-continental partnerships in agriculture and food sectors. Africa’s growing consumer market combined with the UK’s financial backing can create a mutually beneficial relationship, building a global network of women-led agribusinesses that thrive across borders.
Action on a Global Stage
By bringing the UK and Africa together, WiFAI London 2025 offers a powerful platform to align efforts, share best practices, and advocate for policies that support women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector across both regions.
Empowering Women Everywhere
The challenges women face in the UK and Africa are not isolated—they are interconnected. By coming together, these regions can pool resources, leverage strengths, and drive real change. This summit marks the first step in a long-term collaboration to transform the way women in food and agribusiness are funded, supported, and empowered globally.