Business Women Hub Africa Calls for Enhanced Support for Women-Led Enterprises
Lagos, Nigeria – The recent 2026 Annual Conference hosted by Business Women Hub Africa highlighted the urgent need for stronger frameworks and collaboration to empower women-led businesses. Themed “Balance to Scale: Empowered Women and Its Gain,” the conference explored strategies for establishing sustainable enterprises amid a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Empowering Women in Business
Underlining the event’s significance, the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Princess Damilola James, Assistant Women Leader of the APC in Lagos State, emphasized the critical role women play in driving economic development. Her representative, Olubukola Odetayo, stressed that expanding opportunities for women in business not only boosts productivity but also ensures greater leadership and inclusion across various sectors.
Transitioning to Sustainable Business Models
The conference centered around transitioning from informal, survival-driven entrepreneurship to structured, growth-oriented businesses. Experts discussed the need for clear business models and strong networking capabilities to foster long-term expansion.
Actress and advocate Stella Damasus urged women to shun limiting labels and embrace their leadership roles with confidence. Meanwhile, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Chair and Co-Founder of Women Radio Nigeria, linked empowerment to the theme “Give to Gain,” emphasizing the value of shared knowledge and collaboration.
Keynote Insights on Business Growth
In her keynote address, Yetunde Bankole-Bernard, Director at Finchglow Holdings and CEO of YBB Company, highlighted specialization, delegation, and self-trust as crucial elements for business growth. Founders must implement systems that enable them to scale operations while maintaining direction. Adedoja Allen, Managing Director and CEO of City 105.1 FM, shared her media leadership experiences, stressing persistence, value creation, and the importance of long-term impact in building sustainable enterprises.
Interactive Sessions and Practical Insights
Various speakers, including Mercy Agbeti, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, and Dr. Ella Ezeadilieje, contributed to sessions that tackled leadership, business visibility, wealth creation, and sustainability. These interactive segments were designed to provide participants with practical insights and actionable strategies.
A recurring message throughout the conference emphasized viewing balance as a strategic growth element rather than a limitation. Speakers noted that while many entrepreneurs prioritize constant activity, sustainable success hinges on well-defined planning and structured execution.
Commitment to Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
Imelda Usoro-Olaoye, Founder of Business Women Hub Africa, reiterated the organization’s dedication to supporting early-stage female entrepreneurs through training, access to funding, and market opportunities. Since its inception, the Hub has aided over 1,200 women in Nigeria and the diaspora in building their businesses.
Financial Support for Growth
The conference also provided financial support through the Business Women Hub Grant, distributing ₦3,750,000 to eight promising businesses, such as Dharkag Foods and Pemnia Wellness, to bolster their growth and operations. The selection process involved a panel of judges, including Ayanime Edem and Dr. Ella Chioma Ezeadilieje, who evaluated applications based on rigorous criteria.
In addition, partnerships with Women FM 91.6 and City FM 105.1 provided twenty media slots to members of the Business Women Hub community, focusing on enhancing visibility and market reach for participating businesses.
Driving Inclusive Economic Growth
This conference embodies ongoing efforts to merge advocacy with practical support, ensuring that women entrepreneurs possess the necessary tools, funding, and networks to thrive. Strengthening women-led businesses is essential for fostering inclusive economic growth as more women take on critical roles in enterprise development across Nigeria.
For more details on supporting women entrepreneurs, consider resources from organizations like WEConnect International and The Global Fund for Women.
