The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to ensuring that access to finance for women-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria is strengthened.
The Minister for Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, who gave the assurance, also stressed the need to advance women’s entrepreneurship and increase their access to finance.
Tallen spoke at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) virtual symposium and Bell Ringing ceremony for gender equality in partnership with Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSEI), United Nations (UN) Women, UN Global Compact (UNGC), and International Finance Corporation (IFC).
She called for concerted efforts to close the gender gap and increase women’s economic development at all levels if Nigeria is to maximize its economic potential.
Tallen congratulated Nigerian women for their immense contributions towards cohesion and national development in both the public and private sector.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Industry and Investment, Mariam Katagum, said there is a need to support and aggregate women MSMEs to boost their contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Underscoring the role of women in economic growth, she said the government is working tirelessly with stakeholders across sectors to ensure that MSMEs have the support they need to grow now and in the future.
The Exchange remains resolute in its commitment to supporting global aspirations to achieve gender equality in line with the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Katagum also urged capacity building and appropriate regulatory framework that can help women build collaboration among themselves to expand their businesses.
She also urged women entrepreneurs to adopt relevant technology tools and social media platforms to scale their businesses.
Chief Executive Officer of NGX, Temi Popoola, said the Exchange remains resolute in its commitment to supporting global aspirations to achieve gender equality in line with the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said the NGX would leverage its platforms to support issuers and market participants to achieve their gender goals and aspirations.
