Women Empowerment: Sterling One Foundation, DBN Roll Out WIRA

Program

As part of their commitment to driving inclusive growth and economic empowerment for women across Nigeria, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), in collaboration with Sterling One Foundation, and with support from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has launched the Women Investment Readiness Accelerator (WIRA) program.

This innovative initiative is designed to help women-owned businesses gain the skills, resources, and access to funding they need to grow, scale, and succeed in today’s competitive business environment.

Speaking on the launch, Managing Director/CEO of Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, stated: “At DBN, we believe that empowering women entrepreneurs is not just the right thing to do, it’s smart economics. With the support of Agence Française de

Développement (AFD), programs like WIRA can provide the guidance, mentorship, and

access to capital that women-led businesses need to thrive, scale, and create lasting impact

across Nigeria’s economy”

CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, added: “Women are a powerful force in

Nigeria’s economy, and their success benefits us all. Yet across Africa, women entrepreneurs

face a $42 billion annual financing gap, receive less than 10% of total investment despite owning nearly 60% of SMEs, and secure only around 5% of venture capital when led by female CEOs. With WIRA, we’re going beyond just helping them stay afloat, we are giving them the tools, connections, and confidence they need to grow, compete, and succeed on a bigger stage.”