Nigeria economic growth and gender inclusion

Nigeria has emerged as a leading venture capital hub in Africa, securing approximately $254 million in equity funding during the first half of 2026. While investment is expanding into sectors such as clean energy, logistics, and healthcare, data indicates a persistent gender gap in the tech ecosystem. Reports show that women-led startups and female CEOs remain significantly under-represented in terms of both co-founding roles and access to capital.

To reach its $1 trillion economic goal, the federal government is prioritizing women’s economic inclusion as a core strategy. At the Second National Gender Inclusion Conference in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized that economic ambitions cannot be met if half the population faces structural barriers to finance, markets, and skills. Current data shows only 47 percent of Nigerian women hold formal financial accounts, compared to 58 percent of men.

To address these disparities, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has challenged banks and fintech companies to unlock an estimated $14.8 billion annual gender financing opportunity by redesigning lending models that rely heavily on collateral. The government has unveiled four strategic platforms to create an ‘architecture of delivery’ to connect women and youth to capital. Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission is reviewing capital market entry criteria to improve accessibility for women and small businesses.