{"id":3757,"date":"2025-07-10T07:45:54","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T07:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/afri\/?p=3757"},"modified":"2026-01-27T08:01:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T08:01:26","slug":"2x-global-and-graca-machel-trust-investor-meetup-in-nairobi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.gbstudio.co.za\/afri\/2025\/07\/10\/2x-global-and-graca-machel-trust-investor-meetup-in-nairobi\/","title":{"rendered":"2X Global and Gra\u00e7a Machel Trust Investor Meetup in Nairobi"},"content":{"rendered":"

In May 2025,\u00a0<\/span>the Gra\u00e7a Machel Trust and\u00a02X Global<\/strong>\u00a0co-hosted an Investor Meetup in Nairobi, convening peers to explore the evolving landscape of gender-lens investing and identify new opportunities for collaboration in gender-focused finance.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Andia Chakava, Afrishela Managing Partner (left) and Marijn Wiersma, 2X Global Director of Community & Innovation (right)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The event showcased five entrepreneurs from Kenya\u2019s Women Creating Wealth programme, each pitching to a network of impact investors, venture capitalists, and funders committed to gender-lens investments. This platform highlighted investment-ready, women-owned ventures across various sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, and the green economy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Spotlight on the five entrepreneurs<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Emma Omany \u2013 Busu Skincare Ltd \u2013 Eco-friendly, natural skin and hair care products (left); Nyandia Kamawe \u2013 MokoMaya Goods Ltd- Up-cycles glassware into beautifully crafted, functional home d\u00e9cor (right).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Florence Awuor \u2013 Mukuru Talent Share \u2013 Social enterprise manufacturing soccer balls in Nairobi\u2019s informal settlements (left); Margaret Mutie \u2013 Ndalani Farm Produce Ltd \u2013 Produces high-quality dairy products in Ukambani\u2019s semi-arid region (right).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Racheal Nzuki \u2013 Farmatics Ventures Ltd \u2013 Aggregates agricultural produce from East and West Africa for export to European and U.S. ethnic food markets talking to the audience.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

During the event, entrepreneurs demonstrated their products, resulting in immediate sales, confirmed orders, and valuable new connections. Three participants alone recorded approximately USD 310 in sales and expect follow-up orders from contacts made that evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

Entrepreneur reflections<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cPitching gave my brand visibility\u2014I connected with people seeing our products for the first time. Maryn suggested I set up a crowdfunding channel to raise funds for essential machinery.\u201d \u2014 Florence Awuor, Mukuru Talent Share.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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At Mukuru Talent stand.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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At the Mokomaya Stand.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cWe gained new clients and learned to articulate our business solution in under three minutes.\u201d \u2014 Nyandia Kamawe, MokoMaya Goods Ltd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis networking opportunity is pivotal; it exposed us to funders who can partner with our vision to empower local farmers.\u201d \u2014 Margaret Mutie, Ndalani Farm Produce Ltd.<\/span><\/p>\n

Event highlights<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

During the\u00a0Investor Panel,\u00a0Francis Nsomba (Afrishela Investment Committee)\u00a0outlined Afrishela\u2019s updated gender-lens criteria, emphasising both social impact and financial returns.\u00a0Jane Muia (Afrishela Investment Officer)showcased case studies of women-led enterprises and explained how tailored financing structures can spur growth in underserved sectors.\u00a0Kanini Mutooni (Investor)\u00a0provided practical guidance on due diligence, emphasising the importance of a clear market strategy and effective risk mitigation. Finally,\u00a0Andia Chakava (Managing Partner at Afrishela and Director of Community & Innovation at 2X Global)\u00a0synthesised these insights, underscoring the power of collaborative networks to bridge capital gaps for women entrepreneurs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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From Left: Francis Nsomba (Investment Committee Member, Afrishela, Jane Muia (Investment Officer, Afrishela), Kanini Mutooni (Investor), Andia Chakava (Managing Partner, Afrishela).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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From Left: Alice Kimani (WCW Technical Coach), Mercy Gichangi (Kenya Country Lead, Ann Ichungwa (WCW Technical Coach), Wangeci Gitata-Kirigia (NFNV Vice-chair).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Representing 2X Global, Mark Lesan (Programme Associate) framed the meetup within the broader drive for inclusive capital flows;\u00a0<\/span>Edna Karanja (Programme Manager)\u00a0previewed upcoming accelerator opportunities; and\u00a0Marijn Wiersma (Director of Community and Innovation)\u00a0invited attendees to future events to sustain Nairobi\u2019s momentum.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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(2X Global Team from left to right) Mark Lesan, Programme Associate, Edna Karanja, Programme Manager and Marijn Wiersma, Director of Community & Innovation.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Networking conversations<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This meetup highlighted the crucial role of gender-lens investing in promoting economic inclusion and illustrated how high-impact platforms can connect women entrepreneurs with global funding networks.<\/span><\/p>\n

2X Global<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is a global membership network and field-building organisation for investors, capital providers, and intermediaries working in public and private markets, across both developed and emerging economies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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