In a major boost for women’s economic empowerment, the Bank of Industry and the MTN Nigeria Foundation have signed a landmark ₦1 billion Matching Fund agreement to expand access to finance and capacity building for women-led micro-enterprises across Nigeria.
The agreement, signed on February 13, 2026, marks a significant milestone in public-private sector collaboration aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth. The initiative is designed to reduce the financing gap faced by women entrepreneurs while equipping them with the skills and support necessary to scale sustainable businesses.
At the heart of the Foundation’s women-focused interventions is the MTN Y’ellopreneur programme, launched in 2022. Since its inception, the initiative has trained more than 5,000 women entrepreneurs and provided 122 beneficiaries with access to finance. The programme also delivers business development training and ongoing mentorship to strengthen enterprise resilience and long-term viability.
With the introduction of the ₦1 billion Matching Fund, both institutions plan to significantly expand the reach and impact of the Y’ellopreneur initiative. The partnership is expected to unlock greater opportunities for women-led businesses, foster job creation, and stimulate community-level economic transformation.
Stakeholders describe the collaboration as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when public and private institutions align their resources and expertise to drive sustainable development and empower women as catalysts for growth.