DBN, AFD, Sterling One Foundation Set for WIRA Demo Day to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment

DBN, AFD, Sterling One Foundation Set for WIRA Demo Day to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment

Lagos, Nigeria – The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), in partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Sterling One Foundation, will on November 21, 2025, host the Women Investment Readiness Accelerator (WIRA) Demo Day — a pivotal event designed to spotlight the innovation, resilience, and scale-up potential of women-led enterprises in Nigeria.

The Demo Day marks the culmination of the WIRA program, which has provided participating women entrepreneurs with intensive business development training, mentorship, and investment readiness support. At the event, the entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a curated audience of impact investors, development finance institutions, and ecosystem partners poised to drive growth in the women-led MSME sector.

WIRA was created to address longstanding capacity, financing, and market-access challenges confronting women-led businesses in Nigeria. Despite their significant contribution to economic productivity and job creation, many women entrepreneurs continue to struggle with limited access to capital, advisory services, and networks. The programme equips participants with the tools and confidence needed to scale sustainably.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria, described WIRA as a critical intervention for unlocking the potential of women-led businesses.

“The WIRA program represents a strong step toward unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs who, for too long, have been underserved. At DBN, we recognize that empowering women-led MSMEs is essential for achieving inclusive economic growth. The upcoming Demo Day is an opportunity to showcase the innovation and resilience these women bring to the Nigerian economy and to connect them with partners that can help bring their ideas to scale.”

Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative on women’s economic empowerment.

“Our goal with WIRA has been to not only build business capacity but to expand the pathways to funding and visibility for women entrepreneurs. The Demo Day is more than a pitch event; it is a platform that elevates women’s voices, celebrates their innovation, and links them with opportunities to grow their impact. We look forward to showcasing the remarkable progress these entrepreneurs have made.”

The event is expected to attract impact investors, commercial and development finance institutions, private sector stakeholders, and key players in the women entrepreneurship ecosystem.

About the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)
DBN was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with global development institutions to address financing challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Bank provides financing and partial credit guarantees through eligible financial intermediaries to enhance sustainable access to funding for MSMEs and small corporates.
More information: devbankng.com

About the Sterling One Foundation
Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a non-profit organization committed to addressing the root causes of poverty in Nigeria and Africa through programmes in health, education, climate action, and food security. Gender equality and women’s empowerment remain central to its mission, with partnerships driving its contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
More information: onefoundation.ng

Media Contact:
Chiwendu Isaiah
Public Relations, Sterling One Foundation