Three influential female captains of industry have established Women Investing in Infrastructure (WIiI), a company to fast-track equal gender opportunities in infrastructure development across the African continent.

WIiI aims to improve the quality of women’s lives by investing and participating in the development of sustainable infrastructure projects in Africa. The three leaders have extensive experience in the policy-making, financial and socio-economic sectors of infrastructure development.

“Infrastructure deficits impact women deeply, especially in rural areas – but without the shackles of gender inequality, they could benefit significantly more from infrastructure development,” says Salome Sengani, CEO, who has 20 years’ experience in development finance and investment, stakeholder and taxation management. “We shall ensure that the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects are done in ways that will entrench positive development impact outcomes by maximising employment creation, skills transfer, ownership and other developmental opportunities. These provide abundant opportunities for the empowerment of women.”

Nan Mankai, director, has a wealth of experience in corporate finance, private equity and investment, including financial analysis, modelling and post-investment management. “We have the drive and experience to influence unlocking the immense potential of Africa through strategic, visionary infrastructure development to ensure that our target beneficiaries – historically disadvantaged groups, particularly women and youth – benefit more directly from the accompanying socio-economic improvements.”

Dr Snowy Khoza, a champion in infrastructure activism, financing and development and executive chair of leading infrastructure development group Bigen Africa, is non-executive chair of WIiI. “The new company is an important catalyst in guiding development outcomes associated with infrastructure development, notably in its impact on women, the backbone of societies.”

WIiI aims to become involved in projects from the outset. Salome says the company can guide and oversee project planning, implementation and monitoring in ways that entrench development impact outcomes through optimising employment creation, skills transfer, ownership and other developmental opportunities that ensure a greater quality of life.

“The development areas in which we seek to leave a legacy of lasting change, in line with the sustainable development goals of governments, are water and sanitation, transport, access to energy, health and real estate.

“We bring not only vast experience in institutional, financial, social and economic services in infrastructure development, but solid recognition from our Africa development partners, with whom we have long-standing, sustainable and respected relationships built over a number of years. Many of our partners, such as the Bigen Africa Group, have designated WIiI as a preferred supplier.”

The company undertakes comprehensive groundwork including public policy development, project research, risk analysis, financial analysis and modelling, funding strategies, mobilisation of development finance, stakeholder engagement and post-project analysis.

Throughout the process, we maximise community participation and communication and work closely with women and communities to ensure that projects are delivered on time, according to specification and within budget.

“Our energy and drive spring from having seen the gratifying impact of well-strategised infrastructure development This includes improved healthcare, education, food security, sustainable enterprise and employment, gender equality and unhindered access to water and energy. By knowing exactly what our goals are, we can chart our route towards these outcomes, in collaboration with our valuable partners in the infrastructure development industry,” says Salome.

WIiI is based at the Innovation Hub in Lynnwood, Pretoria. Visit womeninfrastructure.com

Captions:
Salome Sengani (MBA), CEO of WIiI, has 20 years of experience in development finance, investments, stakeholder management and as a general tax practitioner. She is a passionate participant in development programmes supporting the economic emancipation of the underprivileged.

Nan Mankai (CA (SA)), Director of WIiI, has a wealth of experience in corporate finance, private equity and investment, including financial modelling and analysis, and post-investment management.

Dr Snowy Khoza (MBA and PhD) Non-executive Chairperson of WIiI, has vast experience in infrastructure, financing and development, and is currently Chair of  Bigen Africa, a leading infrastructure development Group. An award-winning development activist, her passion is to help improve quality of life in Africa, particularly amongst women.