Empowering Women in Trade: A Catalyst for Economic Growth

Hon. Minister Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole inspects the Nigeria non-oil export exhibition stands

"The trade landscape is evolving, and Africa is at the forefront of a significant transformation." Jumoke Oduwole

The Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole has emphasized the vital role of women in exports and the government's commitment to supporting women-led businesses.

Oduwole stated this while delivering a keynote address at an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment; 'Trade Mission: Her Showcase Trading Beyond Borders' which held at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) headquarters, Abuja.

The Minister commended the organizers of the summit for creating a platform that champions crucial conversations and celebrates women's roles in trade, highlighting the Nigerian Export Promotion Council's support for 3,600 female exporters and the International Trade Centre's commitment to providing access to resources and networks through 18 SheTrades hubs.

"The trade landscape is evolving, and Africa is at the forefront of a significant transformation." She noted.

She emphasized the importance of recognizing women as key agents of change in the sector, acting as consumers, producers, distributors, and decision-makers across the value chain.

The Hon Minister Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Standing in the middle In a white jacket) and the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC Mrs Nonye Ayeni (immediate right to HM) and other Women leaders at the event.

Dr Oduwole urged policymakers, business leaders, and investors to support women-led businesses, advocate for capacity-building sessions, and create opportunities for women to scale and compete. She emphasized the government's commitment to private sector growth, citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration's bold steps to address structural inefficiencies in the economy.

The Minister outlined her ministry's role in shaping Nigeria's economic trajectory through key interventions, including investment promotion, capacity-building programs, certification and standards, and market access and trade facilitation. She encouraged women-led businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and participate in capacity-building workshops.

In closing, Dr. Oduwole called on the private sector to commit to partnering with African governments, development agencies, and local communities to co-develop solutions that address systemic challenges. She emphasized the need for tangible investments and translating promises into action.

In her welcome address, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to supporting women exporters. She acknowledged the Honourable Minister’s unwavering commitment to private sector growth and trade expansion. 

Mrs Ayeni highlighted NEPC’s efforts in training over 8,000 women entrepreneurs, facilitating market access through trade fairs and business networking, and supporting certification processes to enhance global competitiveness. She also announced NEPC’s selection as one of four Business Support Organizations worldwide to implement the first phase of the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund—an achievement that underscores Nigeria’s leadership in promoting women’s participation in digital trade.

As the event unfolds, women entrepreneurs will engage in networking opportunities, interactive sessions, and product exhibitions designed to enhance their export readiness and market reach. The NEPC remains committed to fostering an enabling environment where women-led businesses can thrive beyond borders, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Adebayo Thomas, PhD, the Director of Press and Public Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment FMITI and made available to Naij News Alert in Abuja.