The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), led by its Russian chapter, has announced plans to establish a regional office in Nigeria to strengthen economic cooperation and support women-led businesses across BRICS and African regions.
The announcement came during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following a two-day working visit by a five-member Russian delegation headed by Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the BRICS Russia WBA. The team also held a closed-door meeting with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the State House.
Nesterova explained that the visit aimed to introduce the alliance’s objectives and explore partnerships in key sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and labour mobility. She described Nigeria as a promising market with huge potential for strategic business collaborations.
“The ultimate goal of the Women’s Business Alliance is not just meetings, but action,” Nesterova said, adding that opening the regional office would help deepen economic ties and drive practical results for women entrepreneurs.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to bilateral cooperation through women-led economic engagement. She noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s priorities of inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and global partnerships. She also praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for supporting the initiative and championing women’s leadership.
Areas of potential collaboration include agriculture, energy, digital innovation, and education. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that the partnership must go beyond symbolic gestures to create joint ventures, networks, and frameworks that empower women entrepreneurs in both regions.
“With Nigeria’s vast market and Russia’s technological expertise, we can build win-win partnerships that promote inclusive prosperity,” she said.
