Access To Markets, Finance Remains Persistent Challenge For Women Entrepreneurs – Group

By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos

A group of entrepreneurs under the aegis of NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has remarked that access to markets and finance has remained a persistent challenge for many women entrepreneurs.

In order to weather the storm, the group hinted that it has tackled the challenge headlong by equipping thousands of women with the tools to compete locally and globally.

The Vice President of NNEW Mrs. Bolanle Edwards made the disclosure in a welcome address delivered at a press conference on behalf of the President, in commemoration of the group’s 20th anniversary celebration scheduled for October 8 and 9, 2025, in Lagos.

She disclosed that the group, through collaborations with financial institutions, such as the FCMB SheVentures Initiative, has enabled members to secure critical funding and financial tools to scale their businesses.

The partnerships, according to her, have allowed countless women-owned businesses to move from survival to sustainability, and from small-scale ventures to recognized brands.

With a mission of building generations of successful entrepreneurs, Edwards stated that the group which began as a modest initiative has, over two decades, grown into a national force, a movement of resilient women who demonstrate every day that when women thrive, economies prosper.

While chronicling the achievements of NNEW, the Vice President said, “Twenty years ago, in 2005, NNEW was born, with a clear mission: to provide a strong, credible platform for women to grow sustainable enterprises, gain visibility, and become influential voices in national development.

“What began as a modest initiative has, over two decades, grown into a national force, a movement of resilient women who demonstrate every day that when women thrive, economies prosper.

“Since our inception, capacity building has been at the heart of NNEW. We have organized hundreds of training programmes, masterclasses, and workshops—covering entrepreneurship, leadership, export readiness, digital transformation, financial literacy, and innovation.

“Through collaborations with financial institutions, such as the FCMB SheVentures Initiative, we have enabled members to secure critical funding and financial tools to scale their businesses.

“These partnerships have allowed countless women-owned businesses to move from survival to sustainability, and from small-scale ventures to recognized brands.

” Through flagship programs such as Women in Digital Business (WIDB), Financial Literacy Clinics, and specialized export training, we have equipped thousands of women with the tools to compete locally and globally.

“These programs have not only sharpened business skills but also helped women embrace technology and the digital economy, ensuring they remain relevant in an ever-changing market.”

Edwards also hinted that the group established a robust mentorship system, pairing emerging entrepreneurs with seasoned business leaders.

“Our peer-to-peer learning circles and business clusters have provided safe spaces for sharing challenges, exchanging ideas, and building confidence.

“Many of today’s successful women-led enterprises can trace their roots back to these mentoring relationships. This culture of sisterhood and shared wisdom is one of NNEW’s proudest legacies.”, she emphasised.

The chairperson of the 20th anniversary’s planning committee Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi, who harped on theme of the celebration titled ” Evolve, Elevate, Celebrate emphasised that the theme embodies what the group stands for.

Dominga disclosed that a 10- year strategic plan , which is a roadmap for the future will be unveiled at during the anniversary, adding that it focuses on expanding access to finance and markets for women entrepreneurs amongst others.

Assuring that the event promises to be an unforgettable convergence of leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and partners, Dominga hinted that the wives of Lagos and Ogun State Governors are the special guests of honour at the ceremony, while Dr. Toyin Sanni, Executive Vice-Chair at Emerging Africa Capital is the keynote speaker.

While lending her voice, chairperson of NNEW governing council Mrs. Edobong Akpabio reiterated that the group has grown into a formidable network with over 2,000 registered members in her five chapters across the geo-political zones of Nigeria, namely Lagos, Abuja, Ogun and Kwara State States chapters.

Projecting into the future, Akpabio assured that the 10 -year strategic plan which is to be unveiled at the celebration will usher in the Ruby Generation of Entrepreneurs, that will engender innovative, globally competitive women leaders who will transform African economies.