Amaka Okechukwu Opara is reshaping the future of women-led African businesses by providing early-stage capital, strategic support, and vital networks through her venture fund, WEAV.
As the founding partner of Women’s Enterprise Acceleration Vehicle (WEAV Capital), Opara tackles the gender financing gap that continues to hinder high-potential women-led businesses across the continent.
Opara’s back story
Before launching WEAV, Opara had already established an impressive track record. She has managed over $1.4 billion in financing projects with the World Bank, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), multinationals, and governments. At the World Bank, she served as a Private Sector Specialist, overseeing a billion-dollar portfolio across Sub-Saharan Africa. Her experience gave her a front-row seat to the challenges and missed opportunities in funding women in business.
This extensive experience drove her to co-found WEAV in 2021.
Building WEAV Capital
Based in Lagos, Nigeria, WEAV is a mission-driven venture fund and advisory firm designed to invest in African women entrepreneurs. The firm focuses on early-stage, post-revenue businesses that have achieved product-market fit and are active in sectors such as fintech, cleantech, consumer products, and enterprise solutions.
WEAV writes seed-stage cheques ranging from $200,000 to $750,000. But it goes beyond money. The team, which includes operators with startup experience, works closely with founders, offering operational support, strategic guidance, and advisory services.
“Working with WEAV Capital was and is exciting. They were already a part of Agriarche before they even invested. Unlike many investors, I always look forward to seeing and engaging with them. It’s clear that they were a best fit for our business.”– Deina Mayaki, CEO Agriarche.
It also provides founders access to investor and mentor networks and the opportunity to participate in customised acceleration programs that strengthen their business models and investment readiness.
Every year, WEAV goes further to host the FoundHer Breakfast. This peer-learning event brings together female founders to discuss scaling, leadership, and market growth. These gatherings are spaces where strategies are exchanged and practical knowledge is shared.
Going above and beyond
Opara’s approach is grounded in the belief that women require more than capital. They need structure, mentorship, market access, and policies that allow them to grow on their terms. This is why she also emphasises shaping the broader entrepreneurial environment. She has served on several boards, including the Development Bank of Nigeria, and continues to advise on policy changes that support business reforms across the continent.
Through her NGO, Afrimind, she curates African-led perspectives on development, ensuring that solutions for Africa are shaped by those who understand the continent best. Her combined finance, policy, and grassroots advocacy work positions her as one of the few professionals bridging capital with context.
WEAV stands out in Africa’s investment space because of its focused, gender-lens strategy. Opara is betting on them early rather than waiting for women-led businesses to reach later stages. The fund’s impact already demonstrates a growing portfolio of post-revenue, women-led ventures such as Lingawa and Earthbond, which are creating jobs, solving problems, and generating returns.
