HerVest Unveils 2026 Financial Inclusion Report

…Dara AI to Help Women’s Access to Better Financial Services

Raheem Akingbolu

HerVest, Nigeria’s leading women-focused fintech, has unveiled the HerVest Financial Inclusion Report 2026 and Dara AI, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered financial assistant designed to help women make smarter financial decisions, strengthen their financial positions, and build long-term wealth.

The twin launches took place at the fourth edition of ValueUp 2026, HerVest’s flagship annual conference held at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. Themed “Wealth Building Beyond Earnings,” the event brought together business leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and professionals to explore practical pathways for helping more women move from earning an income to creating sustainable wealth.

Both reinforce HerVest’s commitment to designing financial solutions that respond to the evolving needs of women by expanding access to financial services and providing the intelligence, products, and support required to build financial resilience and lasting prosperity.
Speaking at the conference, Solape Akinpelu, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HerVest, said the future of women’s finance lies in delivering solutions that help women make informed decisions and grow their wealth over time.

“Women need more than financial access; they need financial systems that help them grow, protect, and multiply their wealth. At HerVest, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to ensure every woman has access to the tools, insights and opportunities needed to achieve long-term financial security and prosperity. The launch of our report and Dara AI reflect that commitment.”

The HerVest Financial Inclusion Report 2026, is a landmark study developed over six months to provide fresh insights into the financial behaviours, aspirations and challenges of Nigerian women. The report moves beyond traditional measures of financial access to examine the financial products, services, and support women require to save more effectively, invest confidently, build businesses, protect their income, and create sustainable wealth.

The report was presented by Professor Olayinka David-West, Professor of Information Systems and Dean of the Lagos Business School; and Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Co-founder of WIMBIZ and Social Policy Advocate . They highlighted the importance of designing financial ecosystems that respond to the full spectrum of women’s financial needs, from savings and investments to insurance, pensions, credit, and long-term financial planning. This landmark study, the culmination of six months of research, further stresses the need for gender-disaggregated data to ensure that financial solutions effectively reach women, particularly those in the informal sector.

The report was presented by Professor Olayinka David-West, Professor of Information Systems and Dean of the Lagos Business School; and Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Co-founder of WIMBIZ and Social Policy Advocate . They highlighted the importance of designing financial ecosystems that respond to the full spectrum of women’s financial needs, from savings and investments to insurance, pensions, credit, and long-term financial planning. This landmark study, the culmination of six months of research, further stresses the need for gender-disaggregated data to ensure that financial solutions effectively reach women, particularly those in the informal sector.

Complementing the launch of the report, HerVest introduced DARA AI, an intelligent, WhatsApp-verified financial assistant built to democratise access to personalized financial guidance. By operating directly through WhatsApp, Dara AI removes technical barriers, helping women navigate everyday financial decisions through tailored insights on budgeting, saving, investing, and long-term wealth building. This tool ensures that high-quality, professional financial guidance is accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or income level.

In his remarks, Yomi Ogunleye, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of HerVest, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to leveraging research, technology and innovation to deliver financial solutions that enable more women to achieve financial independence and long-term prosperity.

Beyond the two landmark launches, ValueUp 2026 featured conversations with leading business executives, investors and financial experts on entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, career growth and wealth creation. Speakers included Adewale Arikawe, Group CEO, SIFAX Group; Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, Managing Director & CEO, EnergyInc Advisors; Ego Obiegbunam, CFO/COO, TRACE; Tope Oludimu, COO, Meristem Stockbrokers; Victor Olojo, Head of Agency Banking & Financial Inclusion, Wema Bank; Margaret Agbonlahor, SVP, Business Development, FSDH Asset Management; Ezinne Nwafor, Head of Gender Banking, Sterling Bank; Hon. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems; Sola Adesakin; Peju Faloye; and other distinguished industry leaders.

The conference also featured a nostalgic musical performance by Yinka Davies, as well as HerVest’s signature Adrenaline Pitch Competition, which provided female entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase innovative business ideas, gain visibility and access funding, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to supporting women throughout their entrepreneurial and wealth creation journeys. Following competitive pitches before a panel of judges, Ali-Balogun Oluwafisayomi, Founder of FIFI Creamy Creation, emerged as the overall winner, receiving the grand prize of ₦500,000. Kachi Maduagwu, Founder of Preson, was announced as the First Runner-Up, receiving ₦300,000, while Karim Oluwatoyin, Founder of Meals by TK, emerged as the Second Runner-Up, receiving ₦200,000.

Supported by FSDH Asset Management, Meristem ,Wema Bank, PecanTrust Microfinance Bank, Sterling Bank, Gordon, BellaNaija, IMMERSE, FPL Media, SIFAX Group, TRACE, Friesland Campina, Bolt, Happy Coffee, Smooth 98.1FM, KONFAM FM, and Media Crush. ValueUp continues to serve as a platform for advancing ideas, partnerships and innovations that improve women’s financial outcomes.

With the launch of the HerVest Financial Inclusion Report 2026 and Dara AI, HerVest is strengthening its position as the trusted financial partner for women seeking to build wealth through intelligent financial services, data-driven insights and innovative technology designed around their ambitions.