Experts in business growth have called on female entrepreneurs in Nigeria to capitalize on the Nigeria Startup Act, 2022, which empowers businesses utilizing digital technology for rapid expansion. The stakeholders emphasized that with advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and social media, women can seize global opportunities to grow their businesses in both local and international markets.
Speaking at a workshop themed “Women Shaping the Future of Digital,” organized by ITC SheTrades, UPS Women Exporters, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Lagos, notable figures included Mr. Ololade Otayemi, Founder of Orbra Company; Kritee Sharrma, Project Manager of SheTrades and UPS Women Exporters Programme; and Mr. Michael Umoh, Managing Director of UPS Nigeria.
The speakers argued that empowering women to leverage digital technologies could significantly benefit Nigeria, as women have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial capabilities. Mr. Otayemi noted, “One of the biggest policies shaping the digital landscape is the Nigeria Startup Act, 2022. It empowers businesses leveraging digital technology to grow faster. We want to ensure that women are not left behind in this era of digital transformation. With the advent of AI, machine learning, and social media, we aim to help women scale their businesses locally and export their products and services. Empowering women ultimately empowers families and, in turn, strengthens the nation.”
Mr. Umoh highlighted the workshop’s purpose: “This event aims to reach out to women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, creating a platform for them to showcase their skills and businesses, while facilitating opportunities to export their products and connect with foreign partners. With SheTrades, we have collaborated with numerous women and recognized that a key challenge they face is showcasing their businesses internationally. UPS is here to provide the necessary leverage for these women to establish partnerships within and outside the country.”
Sharrma added, “Women often juggle their professional lives with family and domestic responsibilities, which can hinder their access to finance. Many women have approached me about their struggles to obtain traditional collateral, limiting their ability to access mainstream financial services. As Nigeria approaches a digital revolution, we see a pressing need for tailored digital skills and access to new tools. That’s why our partners, including UPS and NEPC, have organized this workshop to support women in navigating this transition.”
This initiative underscores the importance of equipping female entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace, fostering a more inclusive and robust economy in Nigeria.
