Our Woman Crush Wednesday, Aïcha Haidara, is a distinguished leader in impact financing and gender-lens investment, with a decade of experience driving sustainable growth for businesses in West Africa. As Vice President and Francophone Africa Lead at Sahel Capital, Aïcha plays a pivotal role in identifying and executing high-impact investment opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have the potential to transform local economies. Her expertise, spanning financial evaluation and due diligence to strategic advising and portfolio management, has made her a sought-after advisor in the region’s investment ecosystem.
Aïcha’s career is marked by her dedication to supporting SMEs and fostering gender equity through sustainable business practices. Prior to her current role, she served as Head of Acceleration and Seed Funding Programmes at Zira Capital/Investors & Partners (I&P) in Bamako, Mali. There, she was instrumental in sourcing investment deals, conducting thorough market analysis, and leading capacity-building initiatives to empower businesses with the tools and knowledge needed for growth. Her contributions ensured that SMEs not only scaled financially but also made a significant social impact.
Her journey into the world of finance and strategy began with her education in Europe and Asia. Aïcha holds a Master’s degree in Corporate Finance from Ecole Supérieure de Gestion (ESG) in Paris, complemented by an undergraduate degree in Economics from Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas. She also obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Development from Weller International Business School, where she participated in a student exchange programme at the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade. In 2023, she further strengthened her strategic expertise by earning an Executive Certificate in Business Strategy from HEC Paris.
A true global citizen, Aïcha is fluent in French, Bambara, and English, and has intermediate proficiency in German and Mandarin. Her international perspective and linguistic skills have allowed her to navigate diverse markets with ease, adding immense value to her work in cross-border investments and business development.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Aïcha is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She is the co-founder of Lion’s Club Bamako Excellence, a non-political organisation focused on charitable activities, including supporting orphanages and funding projects to combat childhood blindness. She is also a mentor and coach for the Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership Programme (WELP), funded by the U.S. Embassy in Mali, where she helps women entrepreneurs develop leadership skills and grow their businesses.
Aïcha’s blend of financial acumen, strategic insight, and passion for social impact positions her as a key figure in the future of investment and development in Africa. Pride Magazine Nigeria celebrates Aïcha, as her work continues to inspire others and drive meaningful change across the region.