Nigeria has one of the most dynamic entrepreneurship landscapes in Africa, and women are at the center of its growth. From technology startups to retail, agriculture, and creative industries, women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and leading businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen communities. Yet while progress is significant, challenges remain, and unlocking the full potential of women-led enterprises will be crucial to Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.
The rise of women in entrepreneurship
Nigeria has one of the highest rates of female entrepreneurship in the world. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, nearly 40% of Nigerian women are engaged in entrepreneurial activity well above the global average. Many women enter business out of necessity, but increasingly, women are starting ventures to seize opportunities in emerging sectors such as fintech, fashion-tech, agritech, and healthtech.
Notable leaders and trailblazers
Several Nigerian women entrepreneurs have become role models for the next generation:
• Odunayo Eweniyi, co-founder of PiggyVest, has helped transform personal savings for millions of Nigerians through a digital-first solution.
• Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of LifeBank, built a logistics platform to deliver blood and critical medical supplies, saving countless lives.
• Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and her collaborators at Flutterwave and Andela often highlight women in leadership roles, showcasing how inclusion fuels growth.
These examples illustrate how women are not only building companies but also redefining what innovation looks like in Nigeria.
Opportunities for women-led startups
- Technology and digital platforms: Women entrepreneurs are leveraging Nigeria’s mobile-first environment to launch scalable fintech, edtech, and healthtech solutions.
- Agriculture and food processing: As agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Nigerian economy, women-led ventures in processing, distribution, and agri-tech are attracting attention and investment.
- Creative industries: Fashion, beauty, and entertainment sectors—where women already play strong roles—are now globalizing through e-commerce and digital storytelling.
- Social entrepreneurship: Many women-led businesses are addressing gaps in education, healthcare, and financial inclusion, creating both social impact and commercial value.
Barriers still to overcome
Despite this progress, Nigerian women entrepreneurs face persistent challenges:
• Limited access to finance: Women-led businesses attract only a fraction of venture capital funding compared to male-led startups.
• Cultural and societal barriers: Traditional gender roles and expectations can limit women’s mobility, decision-making power, and exposure to networks.
• Regulatory and infrastructural hurdles: Power shortages, weak logistics, and complex regulations affect all entrepreneurs but weigh more heavily on women who often balance household responsibilities.
• Mentorship and networks: Access to mentors, accelerators, and investor networks is still skewed toward male-dominated circles.
How barriers are being addressed
• Government initiatives: Programs like the Bank of Industry’s Gender Business Support Facility and the YouWiN! initiative provides targeted support for women.
• Private sector and NGOs: Organizations such as She Leads Africa, Women in Tech Nigeria, and various angel investor networks offer training, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
• Regional and global capital: Development finance institutions and impact investors are increasingly prioritizing women-led businesses, recognizing both the financial and social returns.
The path forward
For Nigeria to fully benefit from the potential of its women entrepreneurs, a multi-layered approach is needed:
• Expand financial inclusion with women-focused credit and venture funds.
• Build strong ecosystems through mentorship, accelerators, and inclusive investor networks.
• Reform policies to reduce barriers to doing business, especially for SMEs.
• Encourage cultural shifts that normalize women as business leaders and innovators.
Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria are no longer working on the margins they are leading startups, creating jobs, and reimagining industries. Their resilience and creativity are driving the country’s innovation story, even in the face of systemic challenges. By expanding access to finance, networks, and supportive policies, Nigeria can unlock even greater growth and ensure that women continue to lead the way in shaping the nation’s economic future.
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