Bank, Firm Target Debt, Equity Funding For Women-led Businesses

As part of efforts to address financing and market-access constraints limiting the growth of female-owned enterprises in Nigeria, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Alitheia Capital have joined forces to expand access to debt and equity funding for women-led businesses

The partnership, unveiled ahead of the 2026 W.O.M.A.N. Conference scheduled for September 10 and 11 in Lagos, will bring about 300 women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) together with financial institutions, investors, policymakers, development organisations and business leaders.

Speaking ahead of the event, Group Head, Gender and Impact Sectors, FCMB, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, said the partnership was aimed at helping women entrepreneurs build stronger businesses capable of attracting capital and scaling sustainably.

“Women are building businesses that create jobs, strengthen communities and contribute to Nigeria’s productive economy. Through this partnership, we want to help more women develop the structures, knowledge and connections they need to move from running viable enterprises to building businesses that can scale,” she said.

Also speaking, Head of SME Asset Products, FCMB, Oluremi Agboola, said the conference would help bridge the gap between women entrepreneurs seeking finance and financial institutions searching for viable businesses to support.

“Access to finance begins with readiness. Businesses with reliable records, sound financial management, and clear growth plans are better positioned to secure funding. We will help participants understand these requirements and explore financing options that match their needs,” Agboola said.

Managing Partner of Alitheia Capital, Tokunboh Ishmael, said the programme was designed to address structural barriers that prevent women entrepreneurs from translating business potential into sustainable growth.

“The gathering brings an ecosystem closer together to deliver systemic strategies that overcome challenges women face in labour markets and economic empowerment,” Ishmael said.

She added that many of the participating businesses already had revenues, customers and clear growth ambitions, but remained constrained by limited access to capital and other resources.

“The constraint is not ambition — it is access. W.O.M.A.N. 2026 is built to close that gap directly,” she said.

The programme is being delivered in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and other private-sector and development partners.

The organisers said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader priorities around industrialisation, MSME development, job creation, energy transition and increased participation of women in economic activities.