DBN, Sterling One Foundation Showcase Women-Led Enterprises at WIRA Demo Day

DBN, Sterling One Foundation Showcase Women-Led Enterprises at WIRA Demo Day

Women-led enterprises took the spotlight in Lagos on November 21, 2025, as the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), with support from Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Sterling One Foundation, hosted the Women Investment Readiness Accelerator (WIRA) Demo Day in Ilupeju.

The event brought together investors, financial institutions, ecosystem leaders, and high-potential women entrepreneurs, highlighting DBN’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by women who remain key drivers of inclusive economic growth.

The Demo Day marked the culmination of an intensive accelerator programme funded by DBN and implemented in partnership with Sterling One Foundation. The programme provided women entrepreneurs with capacity-building, mentorship, and hands-on business development support across sectors including agriculture, food processing, waste management, retail, technology, fashion, and other impact-focused industries.

A major highlight of the event was the pitch showcase, where participating entrepreneurs presented refined and scalable business models to investors and business support organisations. Several founders advanced to follow-up funding, partnership, and advisory discussions, reflecting the commercial viability of the enterprises showcased.

The WIRA programme was designed to address systemic barriers facing women-owned businesses in Nigeria, particularly limited access to finance, structured mentorship, and market opportunities. Through targeted support and visibility, the initiative seeks to close the financing and opportunity gap for women entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, Dr Tony Okpanachi, said sustained investment in women-led enterprises delivers strong economic and social returns.

“What we witnessed today confirms that investing in women entrepreneurs yields measurable impact. These businesses are innovative, resilient, and positioned for growth. At DBN, our commitment goes beyond financing; we are focused on providing access to knowledge, networks, and market opportunities that enable long-term sustainability,” Okpanachi said.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, emphasised the importance of platforms that amplify women’s leadership and enterprise visibility.

“The women showcased here are solution-builders addressing real challenges. However, potential must be matched with support, connections, and capital. Through WIRA, we have provided not just training, but guidance, confidence, and access. Today’s pitches demonstrate what is possible when women are empowered to lead boldly,” she said.

The WIRA programme aligns with national and global efforts to promote gender-inclusive development. Although women own an estimated 60 per cent of Nigeria’s SMEs, they continue to receive a disproportionately low share of available capital. DBN’s continued investment in initiatives such as WIRA underscores its commitment to unlocking the economic potential of women entrepreneurs and advancing inclusive growth.

Sterling One Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation focused on addressing the root causes of poverty in Nigeria and across Africa through interventions in health, education, and climate action and food security, with gender equality integrated as a cross-cutting priority.

Development Bank of Nigeria was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with global development partners to address financing challenges facing MSMEs and small corporates through sustainable funding and partial credit guarantees delivered via eligible financial intermediaries.