CBW Africa Summit 2025 Calls for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Africa

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW Africa) Summit 2025 has ended with a strong call for African governments to prioritize women’s economic empowerment as a fundamental driver of sustainable development. The summit, held from March 8-11 in Lagos, brought together women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the continent to address economic challenges and propose actionable solutions for gender-inclusive growth.

In a communiqué known as the Lagos Declaration, CBW Africa Continental President, Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole, underscored the need for equal representation of women in decision-making processes. “Women are not just participants but leaders, innovators, and change-makers,” she stated. “It is essential that we confront these challenges head-on and demand equal participation in all sectors.”

The summit emphasized the importance of collaboration in key sectors, urging stakeholders to explore ways to integrate trade, health, technological advancement, informal sector development, and clean energy solutions. According to the communiqué, such synergy is necessary to ensure that women’s voices are central to economic policies and industrial development across the continent.

As part of its commitment to gender equality, CBW Africa announced plans to enroll one million girls in coding programs, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in rural areas, promote sustainable agricultural practices, support industrialization policies, and advocate for the elimination of early marriages. These initiatives, the organization noted, would require the backing of governments, private institutions, and civil society groups.

Speaking at the summit, Oyewole stressed the broader economic benefits of empowering women, stating that “When women thrive, families thrive, communities prosper, and nations grow stronger.”

The event featured high-level discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, with participants developing strategies to support women in business and leadership. Resources such as training materials and toolkits were also introduced to enhance the capacity of women entrepreneurs across Africa.

CBW Africa acknowledged the support of several key stakeholders, including Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, Wife of the Lagos State Governor; Honourable Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; Dr. Bintu Fatima Tinubu, the Iyalode of Lagos; Mr. Segun Ajayi mni, Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); and Hajiya Aisha Bagudu, Wife of the Minister of Budget and Planning.

Oyewole reaffirmed CBW Africa’s commitment to driving change, stating, “Let us unite our efforts to make a lasting impact and forge a future where women are valued, respected, and empowered to lead.”

The summit’s resolutions are expected to influence policies and programs that promote economic opportunities for women across Africa.