NEPC, ITC to empower 146 women-led businesses with $5,000–$30,000 grants
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, has disclosed that the council, in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), will
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, has disclosed that the council, in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), will empower 146 women-led businesses with grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000.
Ayeni disclosed this at a two-day event marking *Her Showcase 2.0* and the launch of the Export Procedures Handbook in Abuja. The programme, organised in collaboration with ITC, was held under the theme “Give to Gain” and also featured activities to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
She explained that the selected 146 women-led businesses are currently undergoing training under the council’s programme, supported by the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund initiative.
Ayeni said the council has strengthened the SheTrades Nigeria Hub in collaboration with ITC by providing training, market access opportunities, and connections to international buyers for thousands of women exporters.
“Since its inception, over 5,000 women-led businesses have joined the hub community, benefiting from tailored capacity building and coaching,” she said. “This collaboration has helped women become export-ready, participate in global trade fairs, and integrate digital tools into their businesses.”
She further explained that through the NEPC’s *Go Global, Go for Certification* initiative, the council has facilitated and fully sponsored export certifications—including HACCP, ISO, FDA, and Global G.A.P.—for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women-owned businesses, at no cost.
According to her, these certifications enhance credibility in international markets, improve market access, reduce rejection rates, and strengthen buyer confidence.
Ayeni also emphasised the importance of investing in women to build sustainable economic growth.
“To create generational wealth, you invest in a woman. Women are made of sterner stuff. Our strength is not always loud, but it has the force of dynamite that can break barriers and move mountains,” she said, while commending women who continue to challenge societal limitations and pursue ambitious goals.
She added that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable non-oil export growth without the active participation of women, expressing confidence that the council’s initiatives will help increase the country’s non-oil export performance beyond the $6.1 billion recorded last year.