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UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria

UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has facilitated $10 million in investment from trade lender for business women in the country.
This lift is coming under the recently launched #HerAfCFTA initiative of UNDP which is aimed at helping women entrepreneurs in Nigeria as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The programme offers support in areas such as: capacity building, market access, trade facilitation, business networking, investment, and digitalization.
The AfCFTA is a trade agreement that aims to boost intra-African trade and promote economic development. It presents opportunities for women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, access new markets, and grow their businesses.
Women entrepreneurs on the continent have been reported to be facing challenges ranging from gender-based violence, limited market access, and lack of access to business tools.
Speaking at the #HerAfCFTA forum in Abuja with the theme: Empowering Women-led Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises for continental trade opportunities, the UNDP National Programme Specialist, Ms. Clare Henshaw said the UN agency under the #HerAfCFTA has been able to successfully facilitated the $10 million as
seed projects.
At the forum, which is in collaboration with Women Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Henshaw also disclosed that there would be more funding for women and youth in business but they have to be ready.
She said: “As we speak, not only have they successfully facilitated $10 million investment from trade lenders to seed projects, just one business, we’ve also been able to pile up a number of businesses and partners that are coming your way, if only you are ready.”
She revealed that the six months old #HerAfCFTA initiative has a target of raising $30 million to support women in business.
On her part, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, speaking on equipping the women to break the barriers confronting them, said the initiative focuses on equipping them with tools needed to succeed within the AfCFTA ecosystem.
Attafuah who was represented by the Senior Economic Advisor, UNDP, Mr. Tony Muhuuza, stressed that the initiative is unlocking a wealth of information for Nigerian women entrepreneurs, while at the same time widening their network.
The UNDP Nigeria Representative said: “Our #HerAfCFTA initiative focuses on equipping women with tools they need to succeed in the continental trade ecosystem. Under this initiative, we at UNDP have designed three key components to address the unique challenges that women face and to ensure their success in this new trade environment.
“Under #HerAfCFTA, we focus on equipping women entrepreneurs with insights and tools they need to navigate regional and international trade. By providing access to market intelligence, policy support and capacity building, we empower women to make informed decisions that enhance their competitiveness.
“We are unlocking a wealth of information for Nigerian women entrepreneurs. Number two is her network. Collaboration is very, very key to scaling up success.
“And this component creates platforms for enhanced business-to-business connections and digital networking. From virtual matchmaking events to in-person dialogues like the one we are having today, our AfCFTA network is about building bridges, fostering relationships that can lead to transformative trade opportunities. The third is her facility.
“This is about scaling a business require resources and her facility will actually focus on normalizing the financial, technical support needed to make that happen. From trade facilitation to investment in logistics to branding and export processes, our facility component ensures that women entrepreneurs are equipped to scale their operations and compete effectively in both the local and regional markets. Today’s masterclass and sessions are an embodiment of this vision.
“By focusing on market intelligence, branding, compliance, and trade facilitation, we are not only addressing immediate challenges but also equipping our entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to cross borders, shatter glass ceilings, and redefine trade across Africa.”
She said she sees a continent where women are in forefront of development.
She said: “Imagine a Nigeria where women-led businesses thrive, where agro-products are skilled to meet export demands, where garments and handmade goods are displayed proudly in shops across Africa, and where women voices shape trade policies and negotiations. This vision will actually start with you.
“As we move forward, we implore you to make collective commitments.
Policy makers, women partners, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, we need to build a trade ecosystem that is inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
” As I conclude, let us ensure that the AfCFTA becomes a living testament to Africa and to make sure that we invest in the greatest resource that its people have, especially the women that have the potential to turn these possibilities into realities.”
UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria
News
Police arrest two suspected informants to bandits in Kwara

Police arrest two suspected informants to bandits in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Two suspected informants to bandits have been arrested by the police in Kwara State.
According to a police sources, the suspects, Abdullah Yakubu, 27, and Jamilu Hamidu, 25, both from Kaima, were arrested on April 26, 2025, in Chikanda via Yashikira.
They were brought to the station by a retired DSP and vigilante members.The suspects, who had escaped from Kainji National Park, confessed to providing information to bandits operating within the park. They reportedly received ₦20,000 for each tip-off given to the criminals.
Police arrest two suspected informants to bandits in Kwara
News
Army troops rescue Deputy Commander of NDLEA officer, five others from kidnappers in Taraba

Army troops rescue Deputy Commander of NDLEA officer, five others from kidnappers in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies rescued six persons, including a senior officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), from suspected kidnappers in Taraba State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue followed a distress call received at about 11:40 p.m. on April 27 from a youth leader, Abe Samuel, who reported that a Toyota Hilux vehicle had come under attack along the Wukari–Kente Road.
Responding swiftly, the troops deployed to the area and found the abandoned vehicle with registration number FG 117-B03 and a punctured tire, but the occupants were missing.
A joint search and rescue operation was immediately launched, and by 6:00 a.m. on April 28, troops successfully rescued the Deputy Commander of NDLEA Zone 1, Ibadan, Musa Hudu, and five other victims from a nearby bush.
The victims were unharmed, and preliminary investigation revealed that they had fled into the bush after three armed men attacked their vehicle and shot at them with a dane gun.
The victims were safely escorted out of the area and allowed to proceed with their journey after their vehicle was repaired.
News
Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State

Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State
By Zagazola Makama
A deadly clash between rival gangs erupted at a wedding ceremony in Bayan-Waya area of Kontagora, Niger State, on April 27, 2025, resulting in the death of one man.
According the a police source, the fight involved members of rival groups known locally as “Sarasuka.” During the altercation, Aliyu Abubakar, 25, from Gangare Sagi Area, was seriously injured.
A team of police officers quickly responded to the scene and rushed the victim to Kontagora General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
The sources said efforts are ongoing to arrest the culprits involved in the fatal incident.
Rival gangs clash at wedding, one dead in Kontagora, Niger State
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