The future of women-led businesses in Nigeria took center stage as the Development Bank of Nigeria, DBN, with support from Agence Française de Développement, AFD, and Sterling One Foundation, hosted the Women Investment Readiness Accelerator, WIRA, Demo Day in Ilupeju, Lagos.
The event brought together investors, ecosystem leaders, and high-potential women entrepreneurs, highlighting DBN’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, particularly for women founders, who remain key drivers of economic growth.
The Demo Day marked the conclusion of an intensive accelerator cycle, providing participants with capacity-building, mentorship, and business development support across sectors including agriculture, food processing, waste management, retail, technology, and fashion.
A highlight of the day was the pitch showcase, where entrepreneurs presented their refined business models to investors, financial institutions, and business support organizations. For many, this represented a direct pathway to funding, partnerships, and expansion, opportunities made possible through DBN’s sustained support of women-led enterprises.
The WIRA program was designed to tackle systemic challenges limiting the growth of women-owned businesses in Nigeria, including limited access to finance, mentorship gaps, and restricted market entry support.
Through WIRA, DBN, and the Sterling One Foundation, provide women entrepreneurs with the resources, knowledge, and visibility needed to thrive.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, MD/CEO of DBN, said: “Investing in women entrepreneurs yields measurable economic and social impact. Their businesses are innovative, resilient, and positioned for scale. At DBN, we remain committed to providing not just financing, but also knowledge, networks, and market opportunities that enable sustainable growth.”
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, added: “The women we celebrated today are solutions-builders tackling real challenges with creativity and determination. Through WIRA, we aim to close the financing and opportunity gap by providing guidance, confidence, and access. Today’s pitches prove what happens when women are empowered to lead boldly.”
Investor partners and business support organizations praised the quality and viability of the showcased enterprises, with several founders advancing to follow-up funding and advisory discussions.
With women owning nearly 60% of Nigeria’s SMEs yet receiving disproportionately lower access to capital, DBN’s investment in WIRA underscores a commitment to unlocking the economic potential of women entrepreneurs and driving inclusive growth across Nigeria.