Andrew Tarazid-Tarawali

Investment Director at Small Foundation

Panellist

Andrew Amara Tarazid-Tarawali is an investment professional, and systems change strategist with deep experience in deploying catalytic capital to strengthen rural livelihoods and entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa. He is an Investment Director at Small Foundation, an Irish philanthropic foundation dedicated to ending extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

At Small Foundation, Andrew leads on the design and execution of innovative partnerships that unlock finance for underserved markets. His work focuses on blended finance structures, risk-sharing facilities, venture support models, and ecosystem-building initiatives that enable small and growing businesses (SGBs) to thrive across the continent.

Andrew brings a background in corporate finance, private investment, and development advisory, with experience spanning SME financing, agriculture value chains, and impact-driven capital deployment. He is particularly passionate about bridging the “missing middle” by developing investment approaches that balance financial returns with transformative impact for rural communities.

Andrew is based in Lagos, Nigeria (WAT), and works across Africa with a wide network of investors, ecosystem actors, and entrepreneurs. He is committed to advancing investment practices that are impact-first, inclusive, and sustainable in addressing Africa’s most pressing development challenges.