Dr Lelemba Phiri

Dr Lelemba Phiri is a PhD‑holder, gender lens investor, and development finance expert focused on Africa. She co‑leads ATG Samata’s Parity I fund, investing in early‑stage and growth businesses in climate, agriculture, and technology across Eastern and Southern Africa. She previously founded Africa Trust Group and led Enygma Ventures and the Empress Fund, deploying over $11m into 30+ businesses. Her work centers on intentional inclusion, systemic redesign, and linking capital to equitable outcomes. She lectures at ESADE Business School and the University of Turin, advises governments and DFIs, and chairs boards including Zoona and Novastar Ventures. She publishes extensively on gender, finance, climate, and entrepreneurship, sharing practical frameworks for gender‑equality strategies, governance, and ecosystem building.