Becoming the first female CEO of a pan- African bank in the Republic of Benin was a monumental challenge, especially in a sector with entrenched gender biases and complex cultural norms. In light of this, Gwen Abiola-Oloke faced resistance and skepticism, but undeterred, she fearlessly embraced the challenge with resilience, strategic acumen, and a visionary approach to leadership in a predominantly male industry. Her journey stands as a testament to breaking barriers and pioneering transformative changes in banking.

With great determination, Gwen shattered stereotypes and carved out new pathways for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Navigating intricate socio-economic landscapes, she brought innovative practices to the forefront and spearheaded impactful initiatives. Through her leadership, Gwen not only transformed her own role but also set a powerful precedent for women in finance across Africa. Her journey embodies bold leadership and a steadfast commitment to excellence, fostering inclusive growth and gender advocacy.

"A true measure of success is not in personal achievements but in the ability to inspire and uplift others. Seeing my team members grow into industry leaders is one of my greatest accomplishments"

Today, Gwen Abiola-Oloke is celebrated as a beacon of inspiration, renowned for her pioneering spirit and strategic foresight. From challenging entrenched norms to championing gender lens investing and SME development, Gwen continues to redefine leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the finance and development sectors in Africa and beyond. Below is an excerpt of Gwen Abiola-Oloke's exclusive interaction with The Global Women Leader magazine.

Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?

Growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by a close-knit, vibrant family that deeply valued education and morals. My parents, especially my career-driven mom, instilled in me the importance of hard work and building strong relationships. Her dedication to her career and friendships inspired me greatly. Attending schools where I mingled with like-minded peers reinforced these values. This combination of a supportive family and a solid education laid the foundation for my character. The pursuit of excellence and the emphasis on meaningful connections have been my guiding principles. These early influences have shaped me into someone who always strives to go the extra mile, cherishing the timeless values imparted by my family and education.

Give us a glimpse of your expansive professional journey in the finance space. What have been some of the most crucial junctures throughout your professional journey?

I've had a purposeful and enriching journey in the finance space, spanning 30 years across various sectors. I began in commercial banking, eventually becoming the CEO of a Pan African Bank in the Republic of Benin. This role pushed me beyond my limits, especially as the first female bank CEO in a foreign country with a different language. After 23 years in banking, I transitioned to development finance, focusing on impact investments and SME development in Africa and the Middle East. These crucial junctures, from pioneering private banking to leading transformative initiatives, have shaped my career. Each step has reinforced my commitment to excellence and meaningful impact.

Introduce us to Di-Africa. Throw some light on the key responsibilities you shoulder as the company’s CEO.

Di-Africa supports SMEs, focusing on early-stage and growth-phase businesses. Our mission is to make them investment-ready and guide them through critical growth stages. As CEO, I oversee capital raising, trade and investment facilitation, business advisory, and development advising. I prioritize strategic partnerships with international and domestic stakeholders, my role includes driving strategic leadership, spearheading financial advisory practices, and ensuring gender inclusion. I lead a skilled team to deliver impactful solutions in high-impact sectors like renewable energy, agribusiness, healthcare, and education.

Tell us about your current focus areas and priorities in terms of driving growth for Di- Africa.

Our focus at Di-Africa is to become the partner of choice for our target customers, particularly in trade investment, and product innovation. We see a significant gap in these areas that needs to be addressed. Building strong relationships with top capital providers is crucial to facilitate access to financial resources, especially for those looking for impact beyond just financial returns.

We aim to develop innovative financial solutions and promote sustainable practices, especially for SMEs. By supporting SMEs in adopting sustainability, we help them become more robust and resilient. Additionally, we prioritize trade and investment facilitation, assisting small businesses in accessing international markets and reducing the cost of market entry. Our goal is to drive inclusive growth and create investable pipelines that attract and retain investors.

In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey? What has been your success mantra over the years?

One of my biggest wins has been consistently being recognized as an inspirational leader. It’s a testament to my ability to help team members excel, regardless of their age or experience. This leadership style has fostered a strong network, as many who’ve worked with me have gone on to become CEOs and industry leaders.

Another major win was setting up the wealth management division for a bank, establishing industry benchmarks, and forging strategic international partnerships. Additionally, as the first female CEO of a bank in Benin, I led significant transformations and innovative solutions including pioneering the first virtual salary wallets for unbanked government employees, paving the way for more female CEOs. My success mantra has always been fostering teamwork, inspiring others, and believing in the impossible.

Gwen Abiola-Oloke, CEO, DI-AFRICA

A True Measure Of Success Is Not In Personal Achievements But In The Ability To Inspire And Uplift Others. Seeing My Team Members Grow Into Industry Leaders Is One Of My Greatest Accomplishments.