In a landmark event held at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, top financial leaders declared their commitment to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance (We-Fi) Code. The declaration, aimed at empowering Nigerian women entrepreneurs, marked a significant step toward promoting financial inclusion for women across the country.
Present at the event were key figures, including Ms. Emem Usoro, Deputy Governor of Operations, CBN; Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry; Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the CBN; Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of the Development Bank of Nigeria; Ms. Bertine Kamphuis, Lead Country Economist for the World Bank Group; and Mr. Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor of Financial System Stability at the CBN.
Speaking at the declaration, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasized the importance of this commitment. “This commitment is not just symbolic but a significant stride in closing the gender financing gap and ensuring women entrepreneurs are at the forefront of our national development,” he said.
The We-Fi Code seeks to address the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in accessing finance, a major hurdle to business growth and sustainability. Backed by the World Bank Group, the initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure Nigerian women are empowered to reach their full economic potential.
With Nigeria now joining the global movement, stakeholders across the financial sector are encouraged to adopt the We-Fi Code and help create an enabling environment for women-led businesses to thrive. The commitment underscores Nigeria’s dedication to fostering gender equality and ensuring that women entrepreneurs play a central role in driving economic progress.
Anthony Emeka Nwosu
