This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr Lwanga Elizabeth Nanziri, Director of the Africa Centre for Development Finance at the Stellenbosch Business School, Stellenbosch University. Dr. Nanziri, a renowned economist, holds a doctorate from the School of Economics at the University of Cape Town and advanced degrees in Economic Policy and Planning from Makerere University in Uganda.

Dr. Nanziri unpacks the critical role of development finance in addressing Africa’s socio-economic challenges. Unlike traditional finance, development finance focuses on funding high-risk, low-revenue projects—such as infrastructure (roads, hospitals, schools) , small businesses, and agribusiness. She explains how development finance complements government and private sector efforts by reducing investment risks in projects that are essential for improving the quality of life in African communities. One of the projects she was involved in at the World Bank was the Think Africa Partnership, which was established to ensure that Africa does not lag behind.

We explore innovative financing models emerging across Africa, such as project finance frameworks that lower barriers to entry for initiatives with long lead times. Dr. Nanziri highlights the work of the Africa Centre for Development Finance, including capacity-building efforts to equip policy advisors and leaders with the tools to drive sustainable growth in the region.

The conversation also focuses on women’s economic empowerment, a recurring theme in development finance. Dr. Nanziri emphasizes the economic consequences of unequal access to financial resources for women and offers insights into how tailored development finance initiatives can dismantle barriers, foster entrepreneurship, and promote gender equality.

Dr. Nanziri shares some of her lived experiences and how her success has been guided by setting new targets, applying discipline to achieve these goals (no matter what), being humble and having a willingness to learn.

Tune in for more.