Lagos became the heartbeat of women-led enterprise from August 6–8, as over 80 female entrepreneurs converged for SheConnectsAfrica 2025, a three-day intensive workshop that redefined how women can seize opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Far from being another conference, the programme delivered hands-on training, expert-led discussions, and problem-solving clinics aimed at equipping women with the skills to expand their businesses across borders. From navigating tariffs and regulations to mastering financial access and compliance, participants left with practical strategies they could immediately apply.
“This was about more than theory—we designed every session to leave women with tools they can use the next day,” the organisers emphasized.
Breaking Barriers in Real Time
One of the most powerful features of the workshop was its live business clinics.
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The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) resolved long-pending registration issues on the spot—cases entrepreneurs had battled for over a year were solved in a single session.
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Parallex Bank opened pathways to SME loans and financial planning.
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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) guided participants through becoming tax-compliant—an essential step for tapping into both private and public sector funding.
For many attendees, the immediate solutions alone justified their presence. “I walked in with a problem I had been stuck with for a year, and CAC fixed it in one day. That was transformative,” one participant shared.
Practical Knowledge for a Continental Stage
Sessions tackled issues central to scaling businesses under AfCFTA:
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trade in goods and services
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navigating tax systems
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understanding tariff schedules
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compliance with data protection—vital for building trust in Africa’s digital economy
Women entrepreneurs also gained insights into positioning their ventures within Africa’s integrated market, ensuring they are not just participants, but competitors and leaders on a continental scale.
A Convergence of Influence
The event featured contributions from the Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, alongside seasoned female entrepreneurs who shared hard-earned lessons from their own journeys.
Bernard Tayoh, Head of Programme at GIZ Support to the ECOWAS Commission, captured the spirit of the gathering:
“Inclusive trade is not a slogan—it’s a necessity. When women thrive, economies thrive.”
Backed by Global Partnerships
SheConnectsAfrica is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by GIZ, in partnership with the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Looking Ahead
The workshop concluded with participants mapping out action plans to formalise their businesses and unlock AfCFTA opportunities. Many described the experience as “eye-opening” and “life-changing,” underscoring the event’s success in turning ambition into executable strategy.
