Nigeria launches women-led economic inclusion initiative to drive Africa’s $29trn growth

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that women will play a central role in Africa’s projected $29 trillion economic transformation, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to gender inclusion as a key pillar of national development.

Speaking at the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference in Abuja on Thursday, VP Shettima launched Project #SheIsIncluded, a strategic initiative aimed at closing gender gaps in finance and economic opportunities across the country.

Themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,” the conference builds on the 2024 Aso Accord and aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality and women’s empowerment).

Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s economic growth cannot be fully realized without the active participation of women.

“Women are not just participants in our economy; they are leaders, innovators, and the foundation of sustainable development,” he stated.

Project #SheIsIncluded is structured around four key pillars:

• Education and Financial Literacy
• Maternal Healthcare
• Gender-Sensitive Policies & Programs
• Expanded Economic Opportunities

With a nationwide rollout across all 774 local government areas, the initiative aims to create pathways for women to assume leadership roles in economic development.

VP Shettima assured that gender inclusion is not just a political slogan but a fundamental national agenda. The initiative will be spearheaded by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs.

“We are not just promising inclusion—we are implementing structural changes to empower women to lead,” he affirmed.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, stressed the importance of breaking legal and cultural barriers that hinder women’s access to financial resources and property ownership. She assured that the judiciary will support policies that promote economic rights for women.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Amina Mohammed, praised Nigeria’s efforts, describing the conference as a “critical step toward gender empowerment.”

“When women are empowered, communities prosper, economies grow, and societies advance,” she said in a recorded message, urging stakeholders to invest in women’s economic inclusion.

Several government and industry leaders echoed their commitment to the initiative:

• Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, called for the private sector to actively support the initiative.
• Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, highlighted the importance of dismantling systemic barriers.
• Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State showcased their state policies supporting women in business, education, and agriculture.
• Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s focus on gender inclusion as a growth driver.

Leading financial institutions also pledged support for the initiative, recognizing that gender inclusion is an economic necessity, not charity.

• Moniepoint Microfinance Bank CEO, Tosin Eniolorunda, emphasized that empowering women will accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth.
• UBA Group CEO, Oliver Alawuba, speaking on behalf of Nigeria’s bank CEOs, lauded the initiative, stating: “When women succeed, families flourish, and the nation thrives.”