Investment banking in Africa has become a crucial driver of economic development, facilitating the growth of industries through capital raising, mergers, acquisitions, and financial restructuring. In recent years, women’s participation in this sector has grown significantly, with many female leaders making strides in a traditionally male-dominated field. These women are breaking barriers and shaping the financial landscape by driving innovation and fostering economic inclusion. One such trailblazer is Elizabeth Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, CEO of Woodhall Capital. With over 25 years of experience, Hunponu-Wusu has transformed how international investments flow into Africa, raising over $5 billion for clients across various industries and empowering governments, corporations, and institutions with innovative financial solutions.
Born in Lagos, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu moved to the United Kingdom at age 15, where she attended Adesoye College, Abbey College in Malvern, Worcestershire, and Coventry University. Growing up with her mother and four siblings, she learned to value hard work by simply watching her mother set and hit her goals. She became invested in grooming herself into a value-adding personality, as her mind was conditioned to embrace the dynamics of business, leadership and entrepreneurship from a young age.
Hunponu-Wusu’s professional journey began 25 years ago in London, where she gained a strong foundation working in finance at BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs, Credit Lyonnais, and Deutsche Bank. She returned to Nigeria to lead an international funding desk for a commercial bank before founding Woodhall Capital Limited.
Founding WoodHall Capital
Within six years of relocating to Nigeria, she established Woodhall Capital as a leading Financial Advisory Firm specialising in raising International Funding for Government Agencies, Large Corporations, and Finance institutions in Nigeria. Founded in 2014, the company is centred on raising capital, mergers, acquisitions, and financial restructuring. In 11 years, they have expanded into major economic hubs, with recent office openings in London, Dubai, and Abuja – in 2019, 2020, and 2024 respectively.
Between 2014 and 2024, Woodhall Capital intentionally built strong relationships with strategic partners and clients alike, successfully raising over $5 billion for clients. With this, her company has built a reputation of trust, transparency, and results, boasting 100% client retention and retaining its first major client.
This wasn’t so initially, as establishing a good reputation and building a track record for her company was challenging.
“Retaining clients was tough. We had to prove we were in it for the long haul, not just a one-time deal.” -Elizabeth Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, CEO of Woodhall Capital.
But they learned how to build a close-knit, family-like relationship with their clients over the years.
Regarding projections, “We are attempting to acquire a few licenses in Europe and are collaborating with a few agencies. All we want to do is expand trade into Africa by highlighting some of Africa’s incredible resources. And we need financial instruments to effect that,“ she said in an interview.
Under her leadership, Woodhall Capital has built a reputation for providing tailored financial solutions that foster economic growth and international competitiveness. The firm’s significant achievement includes raising funds for a bank’s participation in one of Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil block acquisitions.
Hunponu-Wusu drives impact with WoodHall Capital
Just as Woodhall Capital approaches business with integrity, transparency, and excellence, it is equally dedicated to applying these principles to its social responsibility. It actively invests in social reform by empowering individuals and communities globally. It uses its resources, expertise, and networks to create equal opportunities and promote inclusive economic growth worldwide.
The company has partnered with the Candlelight Soup Kitchen Foundation to provide meals to communities in need monthly. Together, they have served over 10,000 individuals, providing healthy meals to those who need them most.
Their Scholarship Program is another part of their effort to impact humanity. Since 2017, they have provided educational opportunities for students from underprivileged backgrounds and aim to support over 50,000 students by 2030. They don’t just want to help these students excel academically; they want to groom them to take on leadership roles.
Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu is a dedicated family woman who balances her career with her personal life. She firmly believes in her faith and enjoys celebrating her husband and children. Her leadership has shaped Woodhall Capital’s growth and contributed to transforming international investments in Africa, paving the way for sustainable economic development on the continent.
