The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), in collaboration with the Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman, has concluded a three-day capacity-building programme for 100 female entrepreneurs in Minna, Niger State.
The initiative, led by Aisha Babangida, Chairperson of the Better Life Program, was designed to equip rural women with essential business management skills, financial literacy, and mentorship to strengthen their enterprises.
During the training, participants were exposed to practical knowledge aimed at improving their financial planning, business operations, and access to markets. The programme also provided mentorship opportunities and guidance to help participants overcome common challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural areas.
SMEDAN noted that while women in urban centres often benefit from structured business support and access to credit, many rural entrepreneurs continue to face barriers such as limited funding, inadequate training, and poor market linkages. The agency stated that the initiative aims to close these gaps and enable rural women to build sustainable, growth-oriented businesses.
The partnership between SMEDAN and the Better Life Program reflects a shared commitment to inclusive economic empowerment, particularly for women in underserved communities. The agencies reaffirmed that empowering women at the grassroots is vital to achieving broader national development and driving rural economic transformation.
