The Airtel Africa Foundation has successfully concluded its “Empower Her Programme,” a two-day initiative aimed at strengthening the financial capacity of women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
The programme, which reached 1,800 women in six states—Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Kano—focused on equipping participants with practical financial and business management skills.
The Lagos edition of the programme was held at Ojodu LCDA and was delivered in collaboration with Smartcash and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.
Participants received hands-on training in key areas such as money management, bookkeeping, and digital savings tools. The initiative also introduced women to formal financial systems through Smartcash enrollment, while a select group underwent agent banking training to expand financial access within underserved communities.
In addition to capacity-building sessions, beneficiaries were supported with grants, point-of-sale (POS) machines, and other tools designed to help scale their businesses and improve income generation.
Speaking on the programme, representatives highlighted its broader goal of fostering financial inclusion and empowering women to make informed business decisions. Observers noted strong participation from women involved in agriculture, many of whom expressed commitment to improving food security through their enterprises.
Organizers emphasized that the initiative reflects Airtel’s wider commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. The telecommunications giant, Airtel Africa, continues to expand its impact across the continent through programmes that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
The “Empower Her Programme” is seen as part of ongoing efforts to bridge financial gaps and create opportunities for women-led businesses, particularly at the grassroots level.