Driving Change: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Africa
Business Women Hub Africa Hosts Annual Conference
Business Women Hub Africa recently held its 2026 Annual Conference in Lagos, focusing on the vital role of women in entrepreneurship. The event, themed “Balance to Scale: Empowered Women and Its Gain,” convened industry leaders, professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, all committed to fostering sustainable business practices in a changing economic landscape.
Emphasizing Institutional Support and Funding
During the conference, the call for stronger institutional frameworks and improved access to funding was a focal point. With discussions geared towards enhancing collaboration, the emphasis was placed on creating systems that support women-led enterprises. This aligns with the global “Give to Gain” campaign celebrated in International Women’s Month, highlighting the significance of collective growth among women in business.
Keynote Address and Insights from Leaders
Damilola Sonayon James, the Special Guest of Honour and Assistant Women Leader of the APC in Lagos State, emphasized the crucial economic contributions of women. She stressed that empowering women entrepreneurs can lead to enhanced productivity and leadership across various sectors.
Yetunde Bankole-Bernard, Director at Finchglow Holdings, delivered an inspiring keynote address on business growth principles. She articulated the importance of specialization, delegation, and self-trust, all essential for scaling operations without losing strategic focus.
Women Advocacy in Business
Prominent actress and advocate, Stella Damasus, encouraged attendees to reject constraining labels in society. She reinforced that confidence is central to effective leadership. Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Chair and Co-Founder of Women Radio Nigeria, linked empowerment to the theme of shared knowledge and collaboration, advocating for deliberate access to opportunities.
Practical Insights from Diverse Speakers
The conference featured a roster of speakers including Adedoja Allen, CEO of City 105.1 FM, who shared her experience on persistence and value creation as the backbone of lasting enterprises. Other sessions addressed critical themes such as leadership, visibility, wealth creation, and sustainability, all designed to provide actionable insights for participants.
The Drive for Sustainable Businesses
A key takeaway from the event was the importance of viewing balance as a strategic element for entrepreneurial growth rather than a constraint. Many discussions focused on the need for deliberate business planning, clear priorities, and structured execution over sporadic activity.
Supporting Early-Stage Female Entrepreneurs
Imelda Usoro-Olaoye, the Founder of Business Women Hub Africa, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to assisting early-stage female entrepreneurs through training, funding, and market access. Since its establishment in 2020, the Hub has successfully supported over 1,200 women across Nigeria and the diaspora by helping them enhance their capabilities and expand their businesses.
Financial Grants for Business Growth
During the conference, the Business Women Hub Grant was announced, distributing ₦3,750,000 among eight women-led businesses, including Dharkag Foods and Anesi Lifestyle. This financial support aims to bolster their operations and growth, providing essential resources for sustainability.
Enhancing Media Visibility
To further enhance market reach for women-led businesses, 20 media slots were offered to members of the Business Women Hub community through partnerships with Women FM 91.6 and City FM 105.1.
Conclusion: The Future of Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria
The outcomes of the Business Women Hub Africa’s Annual Conference illustrate a robust commitment to advocating for and supporting women in entrepreneurship. As women expand their roles in business across Nigeria, strengthening women-led enterprises will be key in fostering inclusive economic growth. Efforts to combine advocacy with practical support ensure that women entrepreneurs are equipped with indispensable tools, funding, and networks, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future in business.
This conference marks a significant step forward toward empowering women and transforming the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria and beyond.
For more insights on empowering women in business, explore resources from UN Women to learn about global initiatives supporting women’s entrepreneurship.
