Development Bank of Nigeria launches DAWN initiative for women entrepreneurs

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has launched the DAWN (DBN Action for Women in Nigeria) initiative to enhance access to finance and business development support for women-led enterprises. Unveiled by Managing Director Dr. Tony Okpanachi in Abuja, the program aims to move beyond simple financing by providing a comprehensive package that includes credit guarantees, technical assistance, targeted grants, and market linkages.

The initiative will focus on key sectors including agriculture, exports, healthcare, technology, green businesses, and the creative industries. Support will be delivered through various channels, such as commercial banks, microfinance institutions, fintech companies, and cooperatives.

This launch coincides with reports from the bank stating it has disbursed a cumulative ₦1.4 trillion to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through 84 financial institutions. This funding has reportedly supported the creation of approximately 1.6 million jobs across Nigeria as of December 2025. DBN’s new five-year strategy aims to extend its reach to more than two million MSMEs, with specific targets for youth-led and women-led businesses.