HERVest’s Initiative Ignites a Financial Revolution for Women, Youth

Mary Nnah

In a bold reaffirmation of its mission to bridge the gender and economic divide through financial inclusion and promoting literacy, HerVest, an inclusive fintech platform, convened a diverse audience of professionals, entrepreneurs, and young changemakers for the third edition of its flagship event, ValueUp 3.0. 

Held in Lagos, the event was themed,“Financial Wellness: Adapt, Grow & Thrive,” and explored practical strategies for building financial resilience and achieving long-term economic stability.

Delivering her opening remarks, the event convener and Chief Executive Officer of HerVest, Solape Akinpelu said; “The journey to an equitable and prosperous society is not an isolated one. It starts with me and you and to everyone in the room whose presence embodies the possibility of equal opportunities. Financial inclusion for us is not just about access to money. Rather, it is about access to knowledge, networks, and long-term growth.”

“This year’s theme challenges us all to not just pursue success, but to be financially and emotionally prepared for the future. When I started HerVest, it wasn’t just an ambition. It was out of a quiet conviction that women’s financial growth should be normal, not extraordinary. It was born out of a desire that access, and capital should be available, woven around women’s realities and peculiarities such as the unpaid labour, biological functions leading to career and business pauses amongst others.”

Akinpelu stated, “Financial literacy and inclusion are catalysts for change. We are building an ecosystem where women are equipped with the skills and resources needed to lead financially empowered lives. We will continue to create spaces where people can learn, grow, and build a prosperous future.”

In her keynote address, the Founder of Beyond Limits Global and Former Director at Google West Africa, Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, stressed the critical need for individuals to recalibrate their understanding of wealth beyond income or status, particularly in today’s evolving economic landscape and the need to have the courage to make informed financial decisions. “We must embrace change, harness the power of technology, and take bold steps toward economic independence. The goal is no longer just financial access, but financial adaptability,” Dr. Ehimuan said.

This year, the ValueUp 3.0 event featured three deeply engaging panel sessions that addressed entrepreneurship, career development in the digital age, and strategic wealth building. The entrepreneurship panel, titled ‘From Side Hustle to Scalable Venture: What It Takes,’ had respected voices like popular Costume designer, Film & Television Yolanda Okereke, Guinness World-record Chef, Food Entrepreneur & Television Personality, Hilda Baci, and Founder, Caladium Consulting, Ayo-Bankole Akintujoye, share personal insights into the discipline, systems, and support structures needed to grow informal businesses into scalable ventures. Usman Imanah moderated the session, steering conversations around opportunity identification, resilience, and fundraising.