The NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) says its programmes and initiatives over the past two decades have significantly impacted women’s lives and strengthened female-led businesses across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, the organisation’s vice president said NNEW has grown from fewer than 100 members at inception to over 2,000 and expanded from one chapter to five. She announced that the group will celebrate its 20th anniversary from October 8 to 9 at its headquarters in Ikeja under the theme “Evolve, Elevate, and Celebrate.”
The two-day event will feature keynote addresses from prominent business leaders, including the Executive Vice-Chair of Emerging Africa Capital and the CEO of MainOne, alongside an award ceremony honouring individuals who have contributed to women’s advancement in enterprise.
NNEW said it has remained committed to empowering women through targeted initiatives in entrepreneurship, leadership, export readiness, digital transformation, financial literacy, and innovation. Its Women in Digital Business (WIDB) programme, financial literacy clinics, and specialised export training have equipped thousands of women with skills to compete globally and adapt to evolving markets.
Beyond training, NNEW has built a strong mentorship ecosystem, connecting emerging entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders. Its peer learning circles and business clusters provide safe spaces for women to share challenges, exchange ideas, and build confidence, with many successful enterprises tracing their roots to these mentoring relationships.
The group has also engaged policymakers to shape conversations around gender equity and entrepreneurship while pushing for policies that improve access to finance, reduce trade barriers, and create a more supportive business environment for women.
Recognising that access to markets and finance remains a major hurdle, NNEW has partnered with financial institutions, including through the FCMB Ventures Initiative, to help members secure funding and essential financial tools for business growth. It also invests in young women and next-generation entrepreneurs, offering them platforms for mentorship and capacity building.
Despite challenges such as economic downturns, policy shifts, technological disruptions, and the COVID-19 pandemic, NNEW says it has remained resilient and focused on its mission.
The chairperson of the 20th Anniversary Planning Committee noted that the celebration will also feature the unveiling of NNEW’s 10-Year Strategic Plan, cultural performances, networking sessions, interactive activities, and free health checks.
She highlighted the organisation’s achievements over the years, including empowering thousands of women, building mentorship networks, shaping national discourse, and contributing significantly to enterprise development — achievements that have earned the group recognition both locally and internationally.
The press conference was attended by members of NNEW’s leadership, including the chairperson of its governing council, the publicity secretary, and the executive secretary.
