The social media exponent, Facebook, has launched an initiative designed to inspire and train female entrepreneurs across Africa to build, grow and start their own businesses. In a recent study conducted by Development Economics on behalf of Facebook, it is estimated that businesses set up by women in the continent over the next five years, could bring N19.7 billion to the economy and create about 9 million additional jobs.
In the opinion of Ebele Okobi, Facebook Public Policy Director for Africa, “We know that when women do better, economies do better. The study conducted by Development Economics further highlights this, with research suggesting that an estimated 7 million new businesses could be set up by women in Nigeria by 2021 – placing greater importance on the role of women’s entrepreneurial ambitions for overall economic and social development in the country.”
The FB initiative known as, #SheMeansBusiness Nigeria, is the first to launch in Sub-Saharan Africa and will bring together thousands of female entrepreneurs in a series of workshops and training sessions across six cities in Nigeria, namely, Lagos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abuja and Aba.
Training sessions will be followed by post-training clinics aimed at re-engaging, advising and mentoring participants.
As part of the launch, a dedicated #SheMeansBusiness website will also be developed to feature inspiring stories from female trailblazers who are pursuing their dreams. These entrepreneurs are redefining possibilities for women in business in Nigeria – inspiring those likely to become new entrepreneurs.
The initiative will float free tools and resources including online courses to give more women across Nigeria the tools, support and practical advice they need to grow their businesses, access and information to a link of communities who can help to advise and direct on setting and achieving business goals.
