The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has launched the Women In Export Development Fund (WEDF)as part of its commitment to increasing women’s participation in the non-oil export sector. The initiative was unveiled in commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, aligning with the global theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, with the call to “Accelerate Action” on gender equality.
NEXIM Managing Director, Abba Bello, emphasized the importance of empowering women, stating that their inclusion in economic activities is essential for Nigeria’s sustainable development. He highlighted the bank’s existing interventions, including the Women and Youth Export Fund (WAYEF), the Small and Medium Enterprises Export Fund (SMEEF), and the Women in Oil and Gas Managed Funds*. These programmes provide affordable financing to female entrepreneurs in the SME and non-oil export value chains.
The event also featured insights from former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, former Chairwoman of Access Bank, Dere Awosika, and NEXIM Bank’s Executive Director for Business Development, Stella Okotete. They encouraged women to be resilient in overcoming systemic barriers, emphasizing that self-development is key to achieving success in business and other careers.
Adeosun called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint a National Export Adviser to drive reforms and ease barriers to trade. She pointed out that Nigeria’s export-to-GDP ratio stands at just 9.2%, significantly lower than Ghana’s 34%, South Africa’s 32.8%, and Senegal’s 23%. She argued that Nigeria should focus on expanding its exports rather than restricting imports, urging authorities to streamline export registration processes, which currently take weeks in Nigeria compared to just 48 hours in South Africa.
She also highlighted the potential for Nigerian products such as fashion, arts, crafts, snacks, and local foods to follow in the footsteps of the country’s thriving entertainment industry.
NEXIM’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, Ibrahim Gaga, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting women in business, stressing that the Women In Export Development Fund will serve as a key instrument in bridging financial gaps and equipping female entrepreneurs for global competitiveness.
