Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), in partnership with Sterling One Foundation and with support from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has officially launched the Women Investment Readiness Accelerator (WIRA) programme. The initiative is targeted at women-owned businesses to provide the skills, resources, and access to finance they need to grow, scale, and compete in today’s fast-changing economy.
The WIRA programme is designed as a strategic response to the challenges women entrepreneurs face, including difficulties in accessing business loans, lack of structured mentorship, and limited access to business development services. Despite showing significant potential, many women-led enterprises in Nigeria continue to face barriers to funding and opportunities for scaling their businesses.
The programme will focus on tailored training, structured mentorship, market linkages, and guidance on accessing institutional finance. Speaking during the launch, Dr Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director/CEO of Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, said: “At DBN, we believe that empowering women entrepreneurs is not just the right thing to do, it’s smart economics. With the support of Agence Française de Développement (AFD), programs like WIRA can provide the guidance, mentorship, and access to capital that women-led businesses need to thrive, scale, and create lasting impact across Nigeria’s economy.”
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, stressed the importance of tackling the funding gap facing women entrepreneurs. She said: “Women are a powerful force in Nigeria’s economy, and their success benefits us all. Yet across Africa, women entrepreneurs face a $42 billion annual financing gap, receive less than 10% of total investment despite owning nearly 60% of SMEs, and secure only around 5% of venture capital when led by female CEOs. With WIRA, we’re going beyond just helping them stay afloat, we are giving them the tools, connections, and confidence they need to grow, compete, and succeed on a bigger stage.”
The Women Investment Readiness Accelerator is expected to equip women-led businesses with practical knowledge and resources to scale effectively while unlocking greater economic opportunities. Interested participants can apply and learn more about the programme by visiting onefoundation.ng/wira.