Nigerian Investor Adesuwa Rhodes Shares Wealth-Building Lessons, Says Persistence Is Key to Success
Nigerian Investor Adesuwa Rhodes Shares Wealth-Building Lessons, Says Persistence Is Key to Success
Nigerian Investor Adesuwa Rhodes Shares Wealth-Building Lessons, Says Persistence Is Key to Success
Nigerian private equity investor and founder of Aruwa Capital, Adesuwa Rhodes, has shared insights into her entrepreneurial journey, revealing that it took eight years to raise her first investment fund despite facing repeated rejection.
Speaking during an interview with content creator James Dumoulin, Rhodes said persistence, rather than privilege, was the defining factor behind her success in the investment industry.
The 36-year-old disclosed that Aruwa Capital currently manages approximately $80 million in assets, describing the achievement as the result of years of determination and resilience.
Reflecting on the challenges she encountered, Rhodes said many people doubted her ability to succeed because she was young, Black and a woman.
“People always told me that I couldn’t make it in private equity because I was young, I was Black, and I was a woman,” she said.
She encouraged young entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by rejection, citing one of her favourite quotes: “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”
According to her, those who are denied opportunities should create their own.
“If someone is not going to give you a seat at that table, create it yourself,” she advised.
On education and career development, Rhodes challenged the belief that a university degree is a prerequisite for success in private equity.
She argued that while higher education has value, building strong relationships and human connections is equally important in the investment world.
Discussing Africa’s economic future, Rhodes described the continent as one of the world’s most significant untapped investment destinations.
She noted that by 2050, one in every four people globally is expected to be African, with Nigeria projected to become the world’s third most populous country.
“The fear is priced in, but the upside is not. If you’re not investing in Africa, you should be,” she said.
Rhodes also highlighted the continent’s informal economy as one of the biggest overlooked investment opportunities, estimating its value at around $1 trillion.
She explained that millions of small-scale traders and entrepreneurs operating outside the formal banking system represent a vast market for innovative businesses.
“If you find businesses that are enabling the informal economy, you’ll be a billionaire,” she said.
Speaking about her personal beliefs, Rhodes attributed her journey to faith, saying her achievements would not have been possible without God’s guidance.
“I believe in Jesus. Without Him and without the doors that He opened, there’s nowhere I’m standing here talking to you today,” she said.
Rhodes’ remarks have drawn attention online, with many young entrepreneurs praising her message of perseverance, self-belief and the vast opportunities she sees in Africa’s rapidly growing economy.
Nigerian Investor Adesuwa Rhodes Shares Wealth-Building Lessons, Says Persistence Is Key to Success
