NEPC secures N979.8m grants for 128 women exporters

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has successfully facilitated the disbursement of $710,000, equivalent to approximately N979.8 million, in grants to 128 women-owned export-oriented Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative is a significant step towards bolstering non-oil exports and expanding the involvement of Nigerian women in international digital trade.

“

The implementation of trade facilitation reforms and game-changing projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration made the Council stand out among over 600 Business Support Organisations that applied to serve as the Business Support Organisation for the WEIDE Fund from the African continent.

The grants were awarded under the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a global program designed to empower women entrepreneurs by helping them adopt digital technologies, improve their export competitiveness, and gain better access to international markets. NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni announced that 121 businesses received Discovery Grants of $5,000 each, while seven enterprises were awarded Booster Grants of $15,000 each.

“

The scale of interest in the WEIDE Fund underscores the immense potential of Nigeria’s female entrepreneurs.

Ayeni highlighted that Nigeria's selection as one of only four countries worldwide for the WEIDE Fund's pilot phase underscores its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and strong export potential. This recognition, she stated, is a testament to the country's commitment to advancing women's participation in trade. The overwhelming response from Nigerian women entrepreneurs, with 67,000 applications facilitated by NEPC, signifies their readiness and immense potential to compete on global markets. The successful beneficiaries operate across diverse non-oil export sectors, including agro-processing, food and beverages, textiles, fashion, cosmetics, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

“

The overwhelming response, which is the highest among the four beneficiary countries, is a clear testament to the immense potential of Nigerian women entrepreneurs and their readiness to take on global markets.