Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: MTN Nigeria’s Commitment to Sustainable Business Growth
International Women’s Day serves as a global platform to celebrate the achievements of women while acknowledging the persistent challenges they face in various spheres of life. In the realm of entrepreneurship, women often encounter unique obstacles, ranging from limited access to funding and resources to societal biases that can hinder their progress. Recognizing these challenges and the immense potential of women-owned businesses, MTN Nigeria orchestrated a powerful event to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the business world and achieve sustainable growth. This event, held in commemoration of International Women’s Day, underscores MTN Nigeria’s commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where women can thrive.
The event, hosted at the MTN Rooftop in Ikoyi, brought together a diverse group of over 250 participants, including aspiring and established women entrepreneurs, industry experts, thought leaders, and potential investors. This dynamic gathering created a fertile ground for knowledge sharing, networking, and mentorship, fostering a collaborative environment where women could learn from each other’s experiences, forge valuable connections, and gain access to crucial resources. The event’s agenda focused on providing practical strategies and insights to empower women entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, scale their businesses, and achieve long-term success.
A key theme that resonated throughout the event was the transformative power of technology in driving business growth. Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria, emphasized the crucial role of digital tools in enabling businesses to compete effectively in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. She highlighted the importance of embracing technologies such as cloud computing, e-commerce platforms, and AI-driven customer engagement tools to gain a competitive edge. Saint-Nwafor further encouraged SMEs to adopt digital solutions like online payment systems and data analytics to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and make more informed business decisions. This emphasis on digital transformation reflects the growing recognition of technology as a catalyst for business growth and innovation.
Beyond technological adoption, the event also addressed the critical aspects of leadership, company culture, and access to funding. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, CEO of DO.II Designs, underscored the significance of strategic leadership and a strong company culture as essential ingredients for scaling businesses. She emphasized the need for intentional planning, a clear vision, and the ability to build and manage high-performing teams. Ighodalo also advised entrepreneurs to invest in team building and training to cultivate an innovative and resilient workplace culture, capable of adapting to change and driving continuous improvement.
Access to funding is often a significant hurdle for women entrepreneurs. Addressing this challenge, Bolanle Tyson, Head of SME Products at Sterling Bank, reassured attendees that alternative financing options are available beyond traditional bank loans. She highlighted the growing landscape of fintech platforms, angel investors, and government-backed grants as viable sources of funding for women-owned businesses. Tyson encouraged entrepreneurs to maintain meticulous financial records and leverage digital banking solutions to enhance their credibility and access to financial resources. This focus on diversifying funding sources provides women entrepreneurs with a broader spectrum of opportunities to secure the capital needed to fuel their growth ambitions.
The event went beyond theoretical discussions, offering practical opportunities for mentorship and networking. A highlight was the all-expenses-paid mentoring dinner, where three selected entrepreneurs received exclusive business coaching from top executives. This personalized mentorship provided invaluable guidance and support, empowering these entrepreneurs with tailored strategies and insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities of scaling their businesses. Adaobi Okonkwo, a fashion entrepreneur and one of the mentorship recipients, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the clarity she gained on structuring her business for future growth. The networking component of the event allowed attendees to connect with industry leaders, potential investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, fostering a sense of community and creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.
In conclusion, MTN Nigeria’s International Women’s Day event served as a powerful testament to the company’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and networking, the event equipped women with the tools, resources, and connections needed to navigate the complexities of the business world and achieve sustainable growth. The emphasis on digital transformation, strategic leadership, and access to alternative funding sources reflects a holistic approach to empowering women entrepreneurs, enabling them to overcome challenges, build resilient businesses, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth. This event represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem where women can thrive and reach their full potential.
