In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable finance, Tariye Gbadegesin stands at the intersection of infrastructure, climate action, and capital investment — a rare combination of intellect and influence shaping Africa’s economic transformation.
As the Chief Executive Officer of ARM-Harith Infrastructure Fund, she has become one of the continent’s foremost leaders driving climate-resilient growth and sustainable development through finance.
Her story is that of a woman determined to ensure that Africa not only participates in the global green transition but leads it.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Tariye’s early years were marked by a curiosity about how economies work and how finance could drive social progress.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Amherst College in the United States and later completed her MBA at Harvard Business School — an education that gave her both analytical depth and strategic insight.
These skills would later prove invaluable as she navigated the complex terrain of infrastructure investment and climate finance in emerging markets.
Her professional journey began in the United States, where she worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) before returning to Nigeria to contribute to its development agenda.
It was here that she began her career-defining mission — to unlock capital for Africa’s infrastructure and sustainability needs.
Before co-founding ARM-Harith Infrastructure Fund, Tariye served as Head of Infrastructure Finance and Strategy at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), where she played a pivotal role in developing the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund.
She led several landmark projects across power, toll roads, and renewable energy — initiatives that bridged public-private collaboration and built a model for how sovereign wealth can be mobilized for national impact.
At ARM-Harith, a partnership between Asset & Resource Management (ARM) and Harith General Partners, Tariye’s leadership has positioned the firm as a continental powerhouse in sustainable investing.
Under her guidance, the fund has committed resources to transformative projects across clean energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure, providing scalable solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Her work transcends traditional finance. Tariye is one of the leading African voices on climate finance and energy transition, advocating for the mobilization of private capital to drive decarbonization and inclusive growth.
She has been instrumental in developing mechanisms that make green investment more attractive to global investors while ensuring that African economies are not left behind in the energy transition conversation.
In addition to her role at ARM-Harith, Tariye serves as Chair of the Africa CEO Network’s Infrastructure Group and is a member of the Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance.
She has contributed to policy dialogues with organizations like the World Bank, UNDP, and African Development Bank, emphasizing that climate finance must reflect Africa’s realities — balancing sustainability with development.
Her recognition as one of Forbes Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women and Top 100 Women CEOs in Africa underscores her growing influence.
Yet, what distinguishes Tariye Gbadegesin most is her commitment to building capacity and opportunity for young Africans, particularly women, in the finance and climate sectors.
She often speaks about mentorship and representation, insisting that leadership in sustainability must mirror the diversity of those it aims to serve.
For Tariye, the future of Africa is green, innovative, and equitable — and her work stands as a blueprint for how finance can be a tool not just for growth, but for justice.
Through ARM-Harith, she continues to mobilize billions for infrastructure that doesn’t just connect cities but empowers communities.
In doing so, she is proving that Africa’s path to prosperity lies in financing its own sustainable future — with vision, purpose, and precision.
