Undeserved Markets In Nigeria Get Lifeline From CBN, Other Funding Partners

With the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bank of Industry (BOI), and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) commitment to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code (We-Fi Code) the stage is set to close the N294 billion funding gap affecting Women-Led businesses in the country.

To this end, stakeholders eagerly awaiting positive feedback from the coordinated effort by the CBN, BOI, and DBN believe that the initiative would unlock new opportunities for women in business and further push the country’s drive towards gender equality in the entrepreneurial space.

It would be recalled that the initiative, announced at a ceremony held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja, is carefully tailored to boost financial inclusion and provide much-needed access to finance for women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

The We-Fi Code, which has already been implemented in 23 countries, will facilitate collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and stakeholders to support women-led businesses.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso had in his address at the event underscored the potential impact of empowering women entrepreneurs globally.

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He highlighted that over 400 million women entrepreneurs worldwide represent a $1.7 trillion growth opportunity for financial service providers and could add between $5 trillion and $6 trillion to the global economy.

“In Nigeria, women entrepreneurs are more active than their male counterparts, yet 75% of this market remains un-served or underserved. This untapped market represents a N294 billion opportunity,” Cardoso said.

He also revealed that the CBN’s Financial Inclusion Delivery Unit will oversee the implementation of the We-Fi Code, aligning it with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi emphasized the significance of the We-Fi Code in promoting gender equality and financial inclusion.

He celebrated the formal adoption of the code, calling it a vital step in Nigeria’s journey toward empowering women in business. Olusi noted that BOI has already financed 833 women-led businesses, disbursing N99 billion in support, and committed to dedicating at least 15% of its risk assets to women-led MSMEs.

Meanwhile, DBN Managing Director Dr. Tony Okpanachi shared that the bank has disbursed over N187 billion through its partner financial institutions, benefiting 357,000 women-led businesses, which account for 72% of its beneficiaries. Okpanachi called the We-Fi Code a “bold commitment” to addressing the financial gender gap.

The adoption of the We-Fi Code marks a significant step in bridging the financial divide for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, positioning them to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.