The Lagos State Government has launched the Women in Industrialisation and Innovation Initiative (WIII) to support and empower women in business and industry, enabling them to lead industries, drive innovation, and help shape Africa’s industrial future.
The initiative was unveiled in Lagos during an event organised by Commonwealth Business Women Africa with the theme, “From Participation to Power: Women Shaping Africa’s Industrial Future.”
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, said empowering women economically is not just a social goal but a strategic economic priority for the state.
According to her, Lagos recognises the vital role women entrepreneurs play in driving economic development across different sectors.
“Lagos’ growth depends on the creativity, productivity, and leadership of the people. Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in this ecosystem, contributing significantly to trade, manufacturing, services, and technology,” she said.
She added that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to creating policies and programmes that allow women-owned businesses to thrive and expand their influence in key industries.
“The Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where women-owned businesses thrive,” she said.
Bada Ambrose also noted that women have long been active contributors to Africa’s economy, from running small enterprises to operating in manufacturing clusters and managing farms.
“For decades, women across Africa have participated actively in economic life. They trade in markets, run small enterprises, manage farms, operate in manufacturing clusters, and contribute significantly to both the informal and formal sectors,” she stated.
She emphasised that women must move beyond participation and begin to shape industrial growth across the continent.
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