NEPC trains over 8,000 women entrepreneurs

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has trained over 8,000 women entrepreneurs, facilitating market access through trade fairs, business networking and supporting certification processes to enhance global competitiveness.

The council said it remained committed to fostering an enabling environment where women-led businesses could thrive beyond borders to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

Executive Director of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, said this at a ‘Trade Mission: Her Showcase Trading Beyond Borders’ hosted by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Ayeni also disclosed that NEPC has been selected as one of four business support organisations worldwide to implement the first phase of the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, an achievement that underscores Nigeria’s leadership in promoting women’s participation in digital trade.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, commended NEPC for supporting 3,600 female exporters and highlighted the International Trade Centre’s commitment to providing access to resources and networks through 18 SheTrades hubs.

Oduwole emphasised the vital role of women in exports and pledged government commitment to supporting women-led businesses.

She noted that the trade landscape is evolving and Africa is at the forefront of a significant transformation, stressing the need to recognise women as key agents of change as consumers, producers, distributors and decision-makers across the value chain.

Oduwole urged policymakers, business leaders and investors to support women-led businesses, advocate for capacity-building sessions and create opportunities for women to scale and compete.

She emphasised the government’s commitment to private sector growth, citing President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s bold steps to address structural inefficiencies in the economy.

Oduwole also called on the private sector to commit to partnering with African governments, development agencies and local communities to co-develop solutions that address systemic challenges, saying there was a need for tangible investments and translating promises into action.