By Yemisi OLAOYE
The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to empower women entrepreneurs with practical digital and financial growth strategies as part of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration. The event, themed “Empowering Women, Elevating Businesses: Digital & Financial Strategies for Growth,” will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Women Development Centre (WDC) in Agege, Lagos.
According to a statement from Mrs. Hauwa Adeeyo, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, the initiative aims to provide female entrepreneurs with essential tools for scaling their businesses in line with the global IWD 2025 theme, “Inspire Inclusion.”
Adeeyo highlighted the administration’s commitment to empowering women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enhancing financial inclusion. She noted that participants will gain access to digital tools, financial education, cooperative business opportunities, and strategic insights to help them navigate Nigeria’s evolving business landscape.
“Lagos is the commercial nerve center of Africa, and women entrepreneurs are a major force in driving economic growth. Through this initiative, we are reaffirming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to women-led enterprises. An empowered woman in business strengthens families, communities, and the entire state,” Adeeyo stated.
The event will feature hands-on workshops and panel discussions covering various topics, including E-commerce & Digital Sales, Financial Literacy & Smart Money Management, and Scaling MSMEs & Expanding Market Reach. These sessions will offer participants strategies for managing business finances, securing funding, building creditworthiness, and leveraging online platforms to enhance their enterprises.
Adeeyo also emphasized Governor Sanwo-Olu’s broader agenda on women-focused MSME empowerment through initiatives such as the Lagos State Women Entrepreneurship Fund (LASWEF), which offers direct funding and low-interest loans to women-led businesses. She also highlighted the Eko MSME Fashion Hub, which provides advanced fashion technology for women in the creative industry, and the Market Modernization programme aimed at supporting local market women with improved infrastructure and digital solutions.
The event is expected to host over 200 women entrepreneurs from various industries across Lagos, alongside stakeholders from the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, leading financial institutions, fintech companies, and private sector investors.
“Additionally, successful female business leaders and e-commerce giants will provide participants with guidance on optimizing digital platforms, securing funding, and building sustainable enterprises. Attendees will also receive access to Lagos State’s business development resources, cooperative programmes, and financial support systems,” Adeeyo concluded.
The initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s dedication to supporting female entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth through inclusive and sustainable business practices.
