Gwen abiola Oloke – Women Aligned

Profile

SME Growth Specialist | Impact Investment Expert | Pan-African Business Leader
With over 24 years in banking and SME development, Gwen is a seasoned executive dedicated to driving business growth and women’s entrepreneurship across Africa.

Leadership Experience

DI AFRICA (Founder & CEO)

Advisory firm supporting business growth and development across Africa
Provides strategic guidance to SMEs and corporations

Banking Career Highlights

Served as CEO of a Pan-African Bank in Republic of Benin
24 years of progressive banking experience across West Africa

GroFin Fund Managers (Former Investment Director, West Africa)

Provided medium-term financing and tailored business support to SMEs
Spearheaded impact investment initiatives in the region

Gwen abiola Oloke
Member WACIN BOT
Director WACIN IMPACT FUND

First Female Bank CEO in the Republic of Benin
Life Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria
IFC Certified Trainer

Specializations & Advocacy

SME Growth Strategies
Impact Investing
Strategic Partnerships Development
Women Entrepreneurship Advocate:
- Mentored women-led businesses across Africa and Asia
- Served on global platforms supporting female entrepreneurs

Notable Advisory Roles

International:
- Jury Member, Shell LiveWire “Top Ten Innovators Global Awards”
- USAID Global Food Strategy for Nigeria (Feed the Future)
- Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) West Africa
- Women in Africa (WIA) Initiative
National:
- Served on federal committees in Nigeria and Republic of Benin

Professional Affiliations

Member, Institute of Directors Nigeria
USA-Accredited SME Consultant
15+ years experience serving on company boards across Anglophone and Francophone West Africa

Core Competencies

✓ SME Development | ✓ Impact Investment | ✓ Cross-Border Business Strategy
✓ Women’s Economic Empowerment | ✓ Board Governance | ✓ Pan-African Market Expertise