DBN Drives Momentum for Women-led MSMEs, Unveils Investor-ready Venture

Nume Ekeghe

Women-led enterprises took the spotlight as the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), with support from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Sterling One Foundation, convened investors, ecosystem players and high-growth female founders for the Women Investment Readiness Accelerator (WIRA) Demo Day in Lagos.The event reaffirmed DBN’s expanding role in strengthening Nigeria’s MSME landscape particularly for women entrepreneurs who remain essential contributors to job creation, innovation and inclusive economic growth.

Sterling One foundation in a statemnt noted that the Demo Day marked the culmination of an intensive accelerator cycle funded and championed by DBN, featuring structured capacity-building, mentorship, and hands-on business development support for women-led enterprises across agriculture, food processing, waste management, retail, technology, fashion and other impact-oriented sectors. A major highlight was the pitch showcase, where founders presented refined, scalable business models to investors, financial institutions and business support organisations unlocking pathways to funding, partnerships and market expansion.

Speaking at the Demo Day, Managing Director/CEO of Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, underscored the value of sustained investment in women-led enterprises. “What we witnessed here today confirms that investing in women entrepreneurs yields measurable economic and social impact. Their businesses are innovative, resilient, and positioned for scale. At DBN, we remain committed to ensuring that women-led MSMEs have access not just to financing, but to the knowledge, networks, and market opportunities that enable sustainability and growth. This Demo Day is a clear step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape,” he said.

Also addressing participants, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, stressed the importance of platforms that elevate women’s business leadership and visibility. “The women we celebrated today are solutions-builders. They are tackling real challenges with creativity and determination. But potential alone is not enough — support, connections, and capital are essential. Through WIRA, our goal has been to close the financing and opportunity gap by providing more than training — we provided guidance, confidence, and access. Today’s pitches are proof of what happens when women are empowered to take up space and lead boldly,” she stated.