Business Women Hub Africa Champions slStructure, Funding for Women-led Enterprises

Raheem Akingbolu

Business Women Hub Africa has renewed calls for stronger structures, access to funding and sustained collaboration to support women-led enterprises, as it hosted its 2026 Annual Conference in Lagos.

Held recently under the theme, “Balance to Scale: Empowered Women and Its Gain,” the conference brought together industry leaders, professionals and emerging entrepreneurs to examine how women can build sustainable businesses in a changing economic environment. The event also aligned with the global “Give to Gain” focus observed during International Women’s Month.

In her opening remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Princess Damilola Sonayon James, Assistant Women Leader of the APC in Lagos State, who was represented by Olubukola Odetayo, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Women Leader, emphasised the role of women in economic development. She said expanding opportunities for women in business would strengthen productivity, leadership and inclusion across sectors.

Discussions at the conference focused on the shift from informal, survival-driven entrepreneurship to structured and growth-oriented enterprises. Speakers highlighted the need for clarity in business models, access to networks and the ability to build systems that support long-term expansion.

Actress and advocate Stella Damasus called on women to reject limiting labels and take ownership of their roles in business and society, noting that confidence and identity remain central to leadership. Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Chair and Co-Founder of Women Radio Nigeria, described empowerment as a process that requires deliberate access to opportunities, linking it to the theme “Give to Gain,” which she said reflects the value of shared knowledge and collaboration.

Delivering a keynote address, Yetunde Bankole-Bernard, Director at Finchglow Holdings and Chief Executive Officer of YBB Company, spoke on the importance of specialisation, delegation and self-trust in business growth. She noted that founders must build systems that allow them to scale operations without losing direction. Adedoja Allen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of City 105.1 FM, also shared insights from her experience in media leadership, pointing to persistence, value creation and long-term impact as essential to building a lasting enterprise.

Other speakers, including Mercy Agbeti, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Precious Adesina-Ola, Zusi Inegbeniki, Dr. Ella Ezeadilieje, Linda Ochugbua, Oyindamola Fawehinmi, Moyosoreoluwa Eleso, Ayanime Edem, Abiola Adelana and Mobolaji Ajayi, led sessions that addressed leadership, business visibility, wealth creation and sustainability. The sessions formed part of interactive engagements designed to provide practical insights for participants.

A recurring theme across the conference was the need to view balance as a strategic element of growth rather than a limitation. Speakers noted that while many entrepreneurs focus on constant activity, sustainable success requires deliberate planning, clear priorities and structured execution.

In her welcome address, Founder of Business Women Hub Africa, Imelda Usoro-Olaoye (CEO Thinkmint Nigeria & Green Mortgage), said the organisation remains committed to supporting early-stage female entrepreneurs through training, funding and access to markets. She disclosed that since 2020, the Hub has supported over 1,200 women across Nigeria and the diaspora, helping them build capacity and scale their businesses.

The conference also featured financial support for women-led businesses through the Business Women Hub Grant. A total of ₦3,750,000 was awarded to eight businesses, including Dharkag Foods, Pemnia Wellness, Anesi Lifestyle, Shammah Drinks, Evani.ng, Educare, AA Foods and Cassia Lily, to support their growth and operations.

According to the organisers, the selection process was overseen by judges Ayanime Edem, Linda Ochugbua, Abiola Adelana and Dr. Ella Chioma Ezedilieje, who assessed applications based on defined criteria and growth potential.

In addition, 20 media slots were awarded to members of the Business Women Hub community through partnerships with Women FM 91.6 and City FM 105.1, aimed at improving visibility and market reach for participating businesses.

The organisers said the conference reflects ongoing efforts to combine advocacy with practical support, ensuring that women entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools, funding and networks required to build sustainable enterprises.

They added that strengthening women-led businesses remains key to driving inclusive economic growth, as more women continue to expand their role in enterprise development across Nigeria.