At the 30th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Yemi Cardoso reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion for women, revealing a new initiative backed by the Development Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Industry. This initiative aims to increase access to financial services and boost economic opportunities for female entrepreneurs across the country.
During a Q&A session, Mr. Cardoso addressed concerns about the underrepresentation of women in the financial sector, emphasizing the critical role women play in driving the Nigerian economy. “Women contribute significantly across all sectors and provide a major portion of the workforce,” he stated, highlighting their resilience and impact on economic activities both in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
He also pointed to recent steps taken by the CBN to enhance financial inclusion for women, citing the recent signing of a code for women entrepreneurs’ financing. “This framework is designed to create more financial opportunities for women and ensure broader access to services,” Cardoso explained.
Mr. Cardoso stressed the CBN’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gender gap in the banking sector, promising that gender inclusivity would remain a top priority during his leadership. “We are dedicated to encouraging the banking industry to move towards gender equity,” he affirmed, while acknowledging that such transformation requires time and consistent effort.
“Under my watch, I will ensure the necessary support is available for women entrepreneurs, working closely with our partners to achieve financial inclusion,” he assured.
This initiative represents a major step forward in empowering women economically and fostering gender parity in Nigeria’s financial sector.
