The Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), in collaboration with MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), has announced a major empowerment initiative targeting 25 million entrepreneurs across Nigeria through the 2025 National Entrepreneurship Summit and Exhibition (NESE). The three-day event will take place in Lagos from November 18 to 20, 2025.
Themed “Empowering Entrepreneurs, Transforming Communities and Driving National Development,” the summit seeks to advance inclusive economic growth by fostering collaboration among business owners, investors, policymakers, and development partners. It aims to create a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking, while addressing key challenges affecting Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the National President of COWAN, Princess Adesola Ogunleye, said the initiative underscores the association’s commitment to driving sustainable development through entrepreneurship, particularly for women and youth. She explained that COWAN’s 43-year history of empowering women in rural and urban communities positions it well to scale impact nationwide.
“This summit and exhibition are a celebration of Nigerian enterprise, especially the creativity and resilience of our women and youth,” Ogunleye stated. “With MoMo PSB as our title sponsor, we are demonstrating that digital innovation and entrepreneurship are the twin pillars for building inclusive prosperity in Nigeria.”
Ogunleye added that the summit will not only showcase homegrown entrepreneurs and innovative solutions but also connect them with access to finance, markets, and mentorship opportunities. She emphasised that COWAN’s goal is to inspire a new generation of small business owners who can contribute meaningfully to job creation and economic diversification.
Also speaking at the event, a representative of MoMo PSB highlighted the importance of financial inclusion and digital empowerment in building resilient businesses. The representative said MoMo PSB’s partnership with COWAN aligns with its mission to enable individuals and small businesses to participate fully in the digital economy through secure, accessible, and affordable financial services.
“Micro and small businesses are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and supporting them with digital tools and access to financial solutions will drive innovation and inclusive growth,” the MoMo PSB representative said. “This partnership with COWAN represents our shared belief that empowering one entrepreneur can transform an entire community.”
The National Entrepreneurship Summit and Exhibition is expected to feature keynote sessions, training workshops, investment pitch sessions, and exhibitions showcasing local products and services. Development partners, government agencies, and financial institutions will also participate in discussions on policy reforms and strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.
According to organisers, the event will serve as a springboard for building partnerships that promote digital inclusion, financial literacy, and sustainable business growth, ensuring that millions of Nigerian entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, have the opportunity to thrive in the evolving economy.
