100 Muslim Women Entrepreneurs Plan Trade Fair In Kwara

Over 100 Muslim women entrepreneurs are set to organise a trade fair designed to empower women-led businesses, strengthen local enterprise, and contribute to economic development in Kwara State.

Addressing newsmen in Ilorin, the state capital, yesterday on the forthcoming ‘Muslimah Entrepreneurs Trade Fair’, the convener of the group, Fatimah Saliu, said that muslim women entrepreneurs are committed to changing the business narrative among women who deal in halal (lawful) businesses.

Saliu, who said that women contribute significantly to household income, food security, manufacturing, services, and creative industries in the state, however, lamented that many of these businesses remain informal, unseen, and unsupported.

“This trade fair is not just about buying and selling. It is a purpose-driven platform created to address a real gap we see every day –  women running viable businesses but lacking visibility, structured markets, and access to opportunities that allow them to scale sustainably.

“At this trade fair, over 30,000 participants and attendees will experience a well-organised marketplace that brings together businesses from diverse sectors—food and beverages, fashion, beauty, agro-processing, services, creative industries, and more.

“It will also serve as a space for networking, brand exposure, partnership building, and community engagement”, she said.

Saliu, said that though the initiative is Muslimah-led and values-driven, the trade fair is open to all vendors and the general public.

She said that the fair would take place before the forthcoming Ramadan season, adding that it is expected to serve the purpose of pre-Ramadan, Ramadan and Eid -el- Fitr  shopping slated between January and February, 2026.

“Our guiding principles are ethical business practices, quality products, professionalism, and inclusivity.

“We are intentional about structure, order, and impact. Our goal is not a one-off event, but the foundation of a recurring economic platform that supports small and medium enterprises, creates employment, and encourages local production,” Saliu said.

She called on policymakers, institutions, and private stakeholders to partner with the women entrepreneurs in amplifying the vision.