Paragraph 1: Empowering Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs through Digital Inclusion
The Nigerian online marketplace platform, Jiji, has joined forces with the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs in the country. The "Biz Queens Run the World on Jiji" campaign, coinciding with International Women’s Day 2025 and its theme of "Accelerate Action," seeks to equip women-owned businesses with the digital tools necessary to scale their operations and achieve greater economic success. This partnership recognizes the significant contribution of women-led businesses to Nigeria’s GDP and aims to bridge the digital divide that often hinders their growth and profitability.
Paragraph 2: Addressing the Digital Gap for Women-Led SMEs
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing nearly 48% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Within this sector, women-led businesses represent a substantial portion, accounting for approximately 33% of all SMEs, as per a PwC report. Despite their importance, many female entrepreneurs face challenges accessing digital tools that could significantly enhance their reach, efficiency, and profitability. The "Biz Queens Run the World on Jiji" campaign acknowledges this disparity and aims to provide tangible support by offering essential business tools and resources to women entrepreneurs.
Paragraph 3: Providing Tools and Resources for Business Growth
The collaborative initiative between Jiji and ASBON aims to empower over 50 women entrepreneurs by providing them with essential business tools, including laptops, smartphones, and free business-boosting services on the Jiji platform. These resources will facilitate their transition into the digital marketplace, enhance their online presence, and provide them with the tools necessary to expand their customer base and improve their overall business operations. This practical approach to empowerment aims to equip female entrepreneurs with the technological resources required to compete effectively in the digital economy.
Paragraph 4: Celebrating Women’s Contributions and Promoting Digital Transformation
The "Biz Queens Run the World on Jiji" campaign not only provides tangible resources but also serves as a platform to celebrate the significant contributions of women entrepreneurs to the Nigerian economy. Dr. Femi Egbesola, the National President of ASBON, emphasized the transformative power of digital technologies in empowering women-led businesses. He highlighted the crucial role of initiatives like Jiji’s campaign in supporting the growth and prosperity of women-owned SMEs in the evolving digital landscape. The campaign aims to foster a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs and recognize their vital role in economic development.
Paragraph 5: Transforming Informal Businesses into Sustainable Digital Enterprises
A 2024 Genderpedia study revealed that a significant portion of informal businesses in Nigeria, approximately 60%, are owned and operated by women. This informality often limits their growth potential and access to resources. The "Biz Queens Run the World on Jiji" campaign addresses this challenge by providing women entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to transition from the informal sector to sustainable and profitable digital businesses. This transformation will enable them to access wider markets, improve their business practices, and contribute more effectively to the formal economy.
Paragraph 6: Fostering Confidence and Empowering Women in the Digital Marketplace
Jiji’s commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs reflects a broader understanding of the positive impact that women’s economic success has on overall economic growth. Majolie Obaje, Jiji’s Regional Head of Public Relations and Marketing, articulated the company’s belief in the importance of supporting women in business. The "Biz Queens Run the World on Jiji" campaign goes beyond mere celebration; it aims to instill confidence in women entrepreneurs and provide them with the practical tools and support they need to thrive in the digital marketplace. The campaign’s structure, with winners selected randomly throughout March and announced each Friday, culminating in a final selection on April 1st, generates excitement and anticipation among participants. This approach emphasizes the ongoing nature of the support offered by Jiji and ASBON, providing a sustained boost to the selected women-led businesses.
