Eva Warigia leads investor relations for New Forests' African Forestry Impact Platform (AFIP), to scale sustainable forestry in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Previously, Eva was Chief Executive Officer of the East Africa Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (EAVCA), supporting business and capital flows into East Africa.

Her experience includes consulting on financial restructuring, business growth and investor relations at Africa Practice.

How are you navigating the current macroeconomic challenges facing African markets, and which sectors offer promising opportunities for investment in this context?

Our firm is actively working within the growing sector of natural capital, focusing on forestry, timber processing and nature-based solutions like carbon and biodiversity. In the current economic climate, we're really focusing on helping our portfolio companies stay competitive despite the challenges. We have been reassessing their commercial strategies and adjusting plans to manage potential risks.

On a positive note, we're seeing more informed and ethically conscious consumers interested in high-quality products made in Africa. This is the market we're targeting. Plus, there's increasing recognition of Africa's critical role in climate action, which is enhancing nature-based opportunities on the continent.

We’re witnessing increased scrutiny of diversity and inclusion initiatives globally. How should the African private capital industry maintain momentum on gender equity in the face of fluctuating commitment?

With its 54 countries, each with its unique culture and economic landscape, a multitude of tribes, and where women make up 50 per cent of the population and the youth under 25 are the largest demographic group, diversity is a huge asset in Africa.

In 2025, our continued investment as an industry is what will lead to Africa's rising. Embracing the spirit of Ubuntu, our collective efforts should ensure that no individual or country is left behind in the quest for economic empowerment.

Women, often serving as anchors in African society, play a crucial role, and initiatives like the 2X Certification are vital for deliberately elevating and empowering African women in the workplace.

Which bold move have you taken in your career that created unexpected opportunities for you or others in the industry?

I like to put myself in situations of growth and consider myself a lifelong student.

Working in forestry investing which is less known as a private capital asset class in Africa, I've really enjoyed learning about this area and the Africa opportunity to create a sustainable timber processing industry that supplies ethically sourced wood products for the continent and export markets, while solving for climate change.