MTN Nigeria celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) with an impactful event that provided valuable insights to over 250 women entrepreneurs. Themed ‘Scaling with Impact | Strategies for Building Resilient Businesses’, the event aimed to equip women business owners with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable growth and success.
Held at the MTN Rooftop in Ikoyi on March 28, 2025, the event attracted businesswomen, thought leaders, and industry professionals for an enriching day of discussions on business resilience, technology adoption, and overcoming entrepreneurial barriers.
Harnessing Technology for Growth
One of the event’s standout sessions was led by Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN, who highlighted the critical role of technology in scaling businesses. She stressed, “Women entrepreneurs who embrace digital tools will gain a competitive edge. From cloud computing to e-commerce, technology is essential for growth.”
Saint-Nwafor encouraged SMEs to adopt digital solutions, including online payment systems, AI-driven customer engagement, and data analytics for better decision-making, advising that these tools are key to creating efficiency and scalability in today’s business world.
Building Strong Leadership and Company Culture
Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, CEO of DO.II Designs, shared her perspective on how strategic leadership and a strong company culture contribute to business success. “Growth is intentional. You need a clear vision, a dedicated team, and a culture that fosters innovation and resilience,” she noted.
Ighodalo encouraged women entrepreneurs to focus on team building, invest in training, and create an environment that attracts and retains top talent, which, in turn, drives business growth.
Accessing Alternative Financing for Women Entrepreneurs
One of the biggest challenges for women in business is securing funding. However, Bolanle Tyson, Head of SME Products at Sterling Bank, assured attendees that alternative financing options are available. “You don’t always need a traditional bank loan to scale. Platforms like fintech, angel investors, and government grants are viable options,” Tyson explained.
She advised entrepreneurs to build strong financial records, seek out SME-friendly banks, and explore digital banking solutions to access the resources needed for business expansion.
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
Beyond the engaging discussions, the event also served as a valuable platform for networking. Entrepreneurs had the chance to connect with industry leaders, potential investors, and fellow business owners.
A major highlight of the event was the mentorship dinner, where three entrepreneurs were selected to receive exclusive business coaching from top executives. One of the attendees, Adaobi Okonkwo, a fashion entrepreneur, expressed her excitement: “This mentorship has given me the clarity I needed to structure my business for growth. It’s truly a dream come true!”
MTN’s Commitment to Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
MTN Nigeria’s Enterprise Business Division reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women-led businesses through technology-driven solutions and strategic collaborations.
As Lynda Saint-Nwafor mentioned, “At MTN, we’re dedicated to creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive. Through events like this, we are providing the tools, insights, and networks needed to build resilient businesses that can scale successfully.”
A Catalyst for Transformation
The event was more than just a gathering—it was a transformative experience for women entrepreneurs. With actionable insights, new connections, and fresh inspiration, attendees left better equipped to navigate an increasingly competitive economy and scale their businesses with impact.
