Empowering women, transforming economies: ACCI drives inclusive growth on International Women’s Day 2025

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Women in Business Trade Group (WIB-TG) of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) successfully hosted a webinar to commemorate International Women’s Day 2025.

The event, themed “Invest in Women: Unleashing Economic Potential for a Sustainable Future,” brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), policymakers, civil society, and women entrepreneurs.

This was contained in a statement by Amina A. Samuel, Asst. Media Officer/WIB-TG Program Officer, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

The discussions centered on strategies to enhance women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria.

During the webinar, speakers delved into government initiatives designed to boost women’s participation in business and trade.

While acknowledging the progress made, speakers pointed out the persistent challenges women entrepreneurs face, particularly in accessing funds.

They also emphasized the importance of capacity building and compliance with regulatory requirements to foster a more inclusive economic landscape.

Setting the tone for the discussion, the Director General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, reaffirmed the Chamber’s dedication to advocating for policies that support women-led enterprises. “Women are at the heart of economic transformation, innovation, and development. Despite their undeniable contributions, many still face barriers to accessing opportunities, capital, and leadership roles. That is why today’s event is crucial; it is a platform to empower, educate, and engage women in business, trade, and entrepreneurship,” he stated.

Adding to this perspective, Mrs. Chioma Njoku, Chairperson ACCI Women in Business Trade Group, representing the Vice President of Women Development and Gender Matters, Barr. (Mrs.) Roseline Obiageli Nwosu stressed the importance of sustained investments in women through education, mentorship, and financial support.

She remarked, “Women are not just contributors to economic growth; they are the catalysts for sustainable development, innovation, and social transformation. We must invest in them by providing access to education, financial resources, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.”

Similarly, the CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by Mrs. Evelyn Ifeyinwa Obidike, Director, Product Development Department NEPC, highlighted available opportunities for women exporters.

She outlined training programs, market access initiatives, and certification opportunities under the SheTrade Hub, all aimed at strengthening female participation in global trade.

In the same vein, Dr. Funto Babarinde, representing the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, presented various empowerment initiatives, including the Grow Her Accelerator Program, which focuses on equipping women entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources to thrive.

Further reinforcing the conversation, Dr. Victoria Akai, CEO of Duchess Natural Limited, spoke on the pivotal role women play in Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in the informal sector, which comprises 41% of micro-businesses in the country.

She pointed out that investing in women’s entrepreneurship, education, and access to financial services would not only uplift communities but also significantly contribute to national GDP growth. Expanding on government efforts, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Co-Chair (Non-State Actors) of the National Steering Committee of the Open Government Partnership in Nigeria, discussed policies such as the National Gender Policy and the Women Empowerment Fund, both of which are designed to bridge financial and regulatory gaps for women-led businesses.

Wrapping up the discussions with a vote of thanks, the Vice President Legal of ACCI, Barr. Aisha Ado Abdullahi delivered a strong call to action. She stated, “Today’s discussions have reinforced the urgent need to remove barriers, create opportunities, and build a more inclusive economic landscape where women are not just participants but leaders and decision-makers. Investing in women is not just an economic imperative; it is a necessity for building a sustainable and prosperous future.”

However, participants echoed the need for stronger public-private partnerships to enhance financial accessibility, market integration, and capacity-building programs for women in business.