The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has trained and supported more than 8,000 women entrepreneurs in digitalization, packaging, labeling, and other essential business skills since 2019, aiming to boost trade and global market access.
NEPC’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the Hershowcase Event, themed “Trade Beyond Borders.” The event was organized in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to foster business networking, market connections, and product exhibitions for women-led businesses.
Ayeni emphasized the council’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing certifications that grant them access to international markets.
“The council has supported women-led businesses through various initiatives, including capacity-building programs to enhance their export readiness and competitiveness. These programs cover export procedures and documentation, market strategies, packaging, labeling, branding, digitalization, and e-commerce,” she stated.
She noted that under this initiative, 125 women have been sponsored to obtain key certifications such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and ISO 22000—completely free of charge.
NEPC’s Role in the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Project
Ayeni further revealed that NEPC has been selected as one of the four Business Support Organizations (BSOs) worldwide to implement Phase One of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) project, launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and ITC in February 2024.
“Out of 600 applicants, only four BSOs were chosen, and NEPC was the sole representative from Africa. This is a significant milestone for Nigeria and a game-changer for our women entrepreneurs,” she said.
The WEIDE project is designed to help women entrepreneurs in developing and least-developed countries integrate digital technologies into their businesses and expand their online presence.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Women’s Economic Empowerment
Since joining the ITC SheTrades Initiative in 2016, Nigeria has been dedicated to supporting the United Nations’ goal of connecting three million women worldwide to the global market. Through its partnership with ITC, NEPC has registered over 5,000 Nigerian women entrepreneurs since 2018 under the SheTrades program.
Over the next two days, women-led businesses participating in the Hershowcase Event will engage with industry leaders, exchange insights with fellow entrepreneurs, and present their innovative products and services to potential investors and buyers.
Government’s Recognition of Women as Economic Drivers
Speaking at the event, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, underscored the government’s commitment to women’s economic inclusion, acknowledging their vital role in Africa’s trade and commerce.
“Women have always been at the heart of Africa’s economy—managing businesses, crossing borders with goods, and producing high-value exports. SheTrades Nigeria was established to break barriers and empower Nigerian women to thrive in trade,” she said.
The SheTrades initiative provides women entrepreneurs with access to key resources, networks, and policy support, ensuring a more inclusive business environment.
With continued investments in digitalization, skills training, and market access, NEPC’s efforts are set to position Nigerian women entrepreneurs for greater success in the global economy.
