By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI) recently hosted a groundbreaking event, “Trade Mission: Her Showcase Trading Beyond Borders,” at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) headquarters, according to a press statement from Dr Adebayo Thomas, Director of Press and Public Relations, FMITI on Tuesday.
The event highlighted the vital role of women in exports and the government’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses.
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwol commended the organizers for creating a platform that champions crucial conversations and celebrates women’s roles in trade. She emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering women in the trade sector, citing the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s support for 3,600 female exporters.
The Minister also highlighted the International Trade Centre’s commitment to providing access to resources and networks through 18 SheTrades hubs. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for women to thrive in the trade landscape.
The African trade landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with women playing a vital role as key agents of change. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment, emphasized the importance of recognizing women as consumers, producers, distributors, and decision-makers across the value chain.
Dr. Oduwole urged policymakers, business leaders, and investors to support women-led businesses, advocating for capacity-building sessions and opportunities for women to scale and compete. She highlighted the government’s commitment to private sector growth, citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to address structural inefficiencies in the economy.
The Minister outlined her ministry’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory through key interventions, including investment promotion, capacity-building programs, certification and standards, and market access and trade facilitation. She encouraged women-led businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and participate in capacity-building workshops. Notably, organizations like Standard Chartered Bank are also supporting women-led start-ups through initiatives like the Future Makers Women in Tech Accelerator program.
In closing, Dr. Oduwole 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. She emphasized the need for tangible investments and translating promises into action, echoing the sentiments of industry leaders who believe that empowering women is critical to economic growth.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), reiterated the Council’s dedication to supporting women exporters. She acknowledged the Honourable Minister’s unwavering commitment to private sector growth and trade expansion, highlighting NEPC’s efforts in training over 8,000 women entrepreneurs.
NEPC’s initiatives include facilitating market access through trade fairs and business networking, as well as supporting certification processes to enhance global competitiveness. Notably, NEPC was selected as one of four Business Support Organizations worldwide to implement the first phase of the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in promoting women’s participation in digital trade.
As the event progresses, women entrepreneurs will engage in networking opportunities, interactive sessions, and product exhibitions designed to enhance their export readiness and market reach. The NEPC remains committed to fostering an enabling environment where women-led businesses can thrive beyond borders, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
