Nigeria is set to become the newest hub for women-led innovation and enterprise as the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) moves to establish a regional office in the country. The development signals a major step toward enhancing collaboration and boosting women’s participation in key economic sectors such as technology, agriculture, and education.
The announcement came after a Russian BRICS WBA delegation met with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during an official visit to Abuja.
Speaking at a media briefing, Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the BRICS WBA Russia chapter, said the visit marks the beginning of deeper economic ties between both nations. She noted that the Alliance, which operates independently of government structures, is focused on strengthening business-to-business cooperation.
“This is our first step toward building a regional presence in Nigeria,” Nesterova stated. “We aim to create new opportunities for women in sectors like technology, healthcare, agriculture, and education, while exploring how best to engage with the Nigerian market.”
She emphasized that the office will also serve as a platform for Russian and Nigerian women entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas that promote inclusive economic growth.
During the high-level meeting, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to partner with BRICS WBA to expand investment and trade. Describing the timing as strategic, she said the initiative will help unlock opportunities for women-owned enterprises across multiple industries.
According to a statement by her media aide, Magnus Eze, the discussions explored potential cooperation in trade, innovation, and human capital development. “Nigeria’s dynamic market and youthful population, combined with Russia’s technical expertise, present clear potential for mutually beneficial partnerships,” the statement read.
The Minister also underscored the importance of collaboration in agriculture, energy, digital innovation, and education — sectors she said could drive sustainable growth if women entrepreneurs are fully integrated.
She noted that both countries can leverage their strengths to modernize agricultural production, advance renewable energy, and empower young people through education and digital skills.
The planned BRICS WBA Nigeria office is expected to serve as a launchpad for investment and mentorship programmes, connecting female entrepreneurs with global markets. Focus areas include agro-processing, creative industries, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and tech-based ventures, where women are already demonstrating strong leadership.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that women remain at the centre of the country’s economic transformation. “Through collaboration, innovation, and access to finance, we can build resilient businesses and strengthen the economic foundations of both nations,” she said.
The establishment of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance office in Nigeria marks not only a diplomatic milestone but also a turning point for women in business across Africa — one that promises to reshape the continent’s entrepreneurial landscape through inclusion, innovation, and international cooperation.
