Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Get Boost from US Government’s Digital Empowerment Initiative

The United States government has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering Nigerian women entrepreneurs, helping them unlock their full economic potential. Through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), this initiative promotes stability, security, and prosperity.

At a recent three-day event in Lagos, 150 AWE alumni gathered to enhance their digital skills, positioning themselves for leadership in the digital economy while driving innovation and growth in their businesses. U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, Will Stevens, emphasized AWE’s significance in empowering women entrepreneurs, noting that the program has created a powerful network of over 130 women who have graduated since its launch in 2019.

 Key Benefits of AWE:

– Essential Skills: Equips women business owners with skills to scale their enterprises
– Mentorship: Connects participants with U.S. mentors from Arizona Graduate Business School and the private sector
– Business Growth: Empowers 30-50 women annually with technology, agriculture, and investment services

Adebisi Odeleye, President of the AWE Alumni Association, praised the initiative’s impact, citing grants and mentorship that have enabled women-led businesses to expand.

In a related development, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) and UN Women have launched the Affirmative Procurement Project to promote gender-responsive procurement practices and increase women’s participation in economic activities.

 Addressing the Gender Disparity:

– Women-owned businesses account for 40% of SMEs globally but receive only 1% of corporate procurement contracts
– The project aims to engage private sector partners across Lagos, adopting Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) for gender equality in procurement and supply chains

With over 200 Nigerian companies already supporting the initiative, this effort is poised to empower more women to thrive in the marketplace and beyond.