In Lagos, a new chapter of women-led innovation is unfolding. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association (AWEAA) has begun a powerful transition—one that signals not just a change in leadership, but a deepening of purpose.
At its Leadership Transition and Growth Forum held at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, the organization unveiled its 2023–2025 Impact Report—a testament to how collective vision, strategic partnerships, and shared resilience can reshape the entrepreneurial landscape for women across Nigeria.
What began as a gathering soon evolved into a movement of minds. The event united entrepreneurs, business leaders, development experts, and policy advocates, all converging to discuss how women-led enterprises can move from survival to systemic influence.
At the heart of the forum was the launch of the AWEAA Impact Magazine, a vibrant chronicle of progress. Through its pages, stories of women turning local challenges into global opportunities come alive—proof that empowerment is not theory but daily practice.
Tax strategist Michael Maxwell of KPMG Africa offered timely insights on navigating Nigeria’s evolving fiscal terrain, emphasizing how informed financial literacy will determine the next wave of sustainable growth. Similarly, the Bank of Industry’s GLOW programme shared practical pathways for women entrepreneurs to access capital—turning financial inclusion from policy to possibility.
Outgoing president Mrs. Adebisi Odeleye reflected on a tenure defined by expansion and visibility:
“We’ve built bridges beyond borders—exhibiting in four countries and forging alliances that amplify women’s voices where they matter most.”
Her successor, Mrs. Victoria Ajayi, outlined a clear vision of continuity and inclusion, promising to strengthen AWEAA’s state networks and ensure that empowerment resonates in every region of the country.
“Our mission is deliberate: to connect, collaborate, and create change at the grassroots level,” she affirmed.
Keynote speaker Mrs. Ezenwa Chinwe, CEO of Lelook Nigeria Limited, reminded participants that progress thrives on mentorship and shared experience.
“When women create space for each other, we multiply innovation. That’s how we build the next generation of leaders.”
The event also doubled as AWEAA’s Annual General Meeting, where members charted new strategies for growth, reaffirming their pledge to nurture enterprises that don’t just scale—but sustain.
More than a forum, the day represented a renewal of intent. As AWEAA transitions into its next phase, it carries forward a powerful message: that women entrepreneurs are not just participating in Nigeria’s economic story—they are rewriting it.
By aligning vision with action, and collaboration with purpose, AWEAA continues to embody what the future of inclusive growth looks like—a network where leadership evolves, impact multiplies, and women shape the economy from the ground up.
