The Development Bank of Nigeria, DBN, in partnership with Agence Française de Développement, AFD, and Sterling One Foundation, will on November 21, 2025, host the landmark Women Investment Readiness Accelerator, WIRA Demo Day.
This platform is designed to spotlight innovative, high-growth women-led enterprises across the country.
The Demo Day marks the culmination of the WIRA programme, which has equipped women entrepreneurs with intensive business development training, mentorship, and investment readiness support over several weeks.
During the event, participating founders will pitch their businesses to investors, development finance institutions, and key ecosystem stakeholders positioned to support their growth. WIRA was launched to address the persistent capacity and financing barriers facing women-led businesses in Nigeria.
Despite their critical role in economic productivity and job creation, many women entrepreneurs continue to struggle with access to capital, quality advisory services, market linkages, and networks required to scale.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, underscored the importance of investing in women-led MSMEs.
“The WIRA programme represents a strong step toward unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs who, for too long, have been underserved. At DBN, we recognize that empowering women-led MSMEs is essential for achieving inclusive economic growth,” he said.
“The upcoming Demo Day is an opportunity to showcase the innovation and resilience that these women bring to the Nigerian economy, and to connect them to partners who can help bring their ideas to scale.”
Similarly, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, noted that the event reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to women’s economic empowerment.
“Our goal with WIRA has been to not only build business capacity but to expand the pathways to funding and visibility for women entrepreneurs,” she said.
“The Demo Day is more than a pitch event; it is a platform that elevates women’s voices, celebrates their innovation, and links them with opportunities to grow their impact. We look forward to showcasing the remarkable progress these entrepreneurs have made.”
The event is expected to draw impact investors, commercial and development finance institutions, private sector leaders, and key players in the women entrepreneurship ecosystem.