NEPC Trains Over 8,000 Women Entrepreneurs to Boost Global Competitiveness

• More than 8,000 women can be said to have been trained by Nigerian Export Promotion Council
• Market access has been facilitated through trade fairs and business networking
• Certification processes are supported to increase global competitiveness

Assisting over 8,000 women entrepreneurs to access markets through trade fairs, business networking, and providing import and export certifications to enhance their global competitiveness has been the training provided by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

As communicated by NEPC, its support and commitment for creating a conducive world over women-run businesses to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's non-oil export is unwavering.  This was stated by Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of the NEPC, during the program "Trade Mission: Her Showcase Trading beyond Borders," research by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

In her remarks, Noney mentioned that NEPC was one of four international business support organizations implementing phase one of the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, emphasizing Nigeria's role in promoting women's participation in digital trade.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, applauded NEPC for providing assistance to over 3,600 female exporters and talking about the help rendered by International Trade Centre in terms of resources and networks through 18 SheTrades hubs.

According to Jumoke, exporting is essential for women, and the government will give its best backing to women-led industries. She recognized that Africa is leading in trade transformation processes and stated the urgency of giving recognition to women in all their capacities-as consumers, producers, distributors, or decision-makers along the value chain-as change agents.

She however noted that women-led businesses needed support from policy makers, business leaders, and investors alike in capacity building and opportunity creation for women to grow and compete. She further reiterated the government's commitment to private sector development, which was visible with the direct intervention of President Bola Tinubu's administration to address economic inefficiency.

The same sentiment was shared by Jumoke, who urged the private sector to work together with African governments, development agencies, and local communities to collaboratively develop solutions to systemic challenges, stressing the urgent need for substantial investments and a rapid turn from commitments to action.