Nigerian FG Targets 10,000 Women-Owned Export Businesses By 2030

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has set a target to empower 10,000 women-owned export-ready businesses in Nigeria by 2030.

It also aims to connect 3,000 women-led small and medium enterprises to international markets by 2027.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu disclosed this at the launch of the Women in Export Development Initiative in Abuja.

She was represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President.

The First Lady described the programme as a beacon for thousands of women entrepreneurs determined to take their place on the global trade stage.

The initiative was launched by the World Trade Organisation and the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

It will boost women’s participation in international trade through capacity building, export literacy, and connections to global value chains.

Grassroots export literacy will be delivered through cluster hubs in all 36 states and the FCT.

Connections will be built through platforms including the African Continental Free Trade Area, the ECOWAS Trade Hub, and ITC SheTrades.

Senator Tinubu noted that women own 41 per cent of micro businesses and contribute about 29 per cent of the GDP but only 15 per cent participate in formal export trade.

She described the country’s female population of over 115 million as a compelling call to action.

The First Lady praised the NEPC for hosting the SheTrades Nigeria Hub for more than eight years, connecting over 4,000 women entrepreneurs to global markets.

She also highlighted other federal programmes supporting women, including the Nigeria for Women Programme, a national women e-market portal, and digital skills training for more than 20,000 women.

Director General of the World Trade Organisation Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the launch also marked the rollout of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund.

The 50 million dollar initiative will benefit 146 women entrepreneurs engaged in digital trade.

Sixteen entrepreneurs in the Booster Track will receive up to 30,000 dollars and 18 months of technical assistance, while 130 in the Discovery Track will get up to 5,000 dollars each and one year of support.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole said the programme will align with national digital economy and trade strategies, improve export processes, and expand financing options for women-led businesses.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Nonye Ayeni described the launch as a milestone and revealed that over 68,000 applications were received.

She said the selected beneficiaries will get grants, capacity-building support, and digital trade training to compete in the global market.

Ayeni stressed that the fund is not only about grants but about unlocking the potential of s

mall and medium enterprises led by women.