Business Women Hub Africa conference highlights funding, structure for women-led growth

Business Women Hub Africa’s 2026 annual conference brought focus to the role of structured growth, access to funding, and shared networks in shaping women-led enterprises, as stakeholders called for a shift from survival-driven entrepreneurship to long-term scale.

Held on Friday, March 27, the conference convened industry leaders, professionals, and emerging entrepreneurs under the theme, “Balance to Scale: Empowered Women and Its Gain,” aligning with the global “Give to Gain” focus observed during International Women’s Month. Discussions throughout the event examined how women can build sustainable businesses through deliberate planning, collaboration, and access to opportunity.

The Special Guest of Honour, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, Assistant Women Leader of the APC in Lagos State, represented by Olubukola Odetayo, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Women Leader, set the tone in her opening address, drawing attention to the link between women’s participation in business and broader economic outcomes. She noted that enabling women to thrive in enterprise strengthens leadership pipelines and supports more inclusive growth.

Across keynote sessions and discussions, speakers framed empowerment as a process tied to identity, access, and structure. Actress and advocate Stella Damasus urged participants to reject limiting labels and take ownership of their roles in business and society, while maintaining clarity in decision-making. Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Chair and Co-Founder of Women Radio Nigeria, expanded on the theme “Give to Gain,” describing empowerment as intentional access supported by consistency and shared networks.

In a keynote that centred on internal capacity and business discipline, Yetunde Bankole-Bernard, Director at Finchglow Holdings and Chief Executive Officer of YBB Company, spoke on the need for specialisation, delegation, and self-trust in scaling enterprises. She positioned structure as critical to managing growth, noting that clarity in roles and systems allows founders to focus on long-term direction. Adedoja Allen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of City 105.1 FM, reinforced this position through her experience in media leadership, pointing to persistence, value creation, and legacy as central to sustained impact.

Contributions from Mercy Agbeti, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Precious Adesina-Ola, Zusi Inegbeniki, Ella Ezeadilieje, Linda Ochugbua, Oyindamola Fawehinmi, Moyosoreoluwa Eleso, Ayanime Edem, Abiola Adelana, and Mobolaji Ajayi extended the conversation into practical areas including business visibility, leadership positioning, and long-term sustainability. Their sessions formed part of interactive engagements designed to connect strategy with execution for participants.

A recurring message across the conference was the positioning of balance not as a constraint, but as a strategic tool. Speakers emphasised that growth driven by constant activity without structure can limit long-term outcomes, while deliberate planning enables clarity, stronger decision-making, and sustainable expansion.

Founder of Business Women Hub Africa, Imelda Usoro-Olaoye (also CEO Thinkmint Nigeria & Green Mortgage), in her welcome address, reaffirmed the organisation’s focus on supporting early-stage female entrepreneurs through access to resources and networks. She noted that since 2020, the Hub has reached over 1,200 women across Nigeria and the diaspora, providing training, funding opportunities, and market access aimed at strengthening business capacity.

The conference also underscored the role of financial support in enabling scale. Through the Business Women Hub Grant, a combined total of N3,750,000 was awarded to eight women-led businesses, including Dharkag Foods, Pemnia Wellness, Anesi Lifestyle, Shammah Drinks, Evani.ng, Educare, AA Foods, and Cassia Lily. The selection process, handled by the judges, assessed applicants based on defined business criteria and growth potential.

Beyond funding, the conference created pathways for increased market visibility, with 20 media slots awarded to members of the Business Women Hub community through Women FM 91.6 and City FM 105.1. The initiative is expected to support brand exposure and audience reach for participating businesses.

With a combination of funding support, strategic conversations, and access to platforms, the conference reflects a broader effort to reposition women-led enterprises within the economy. As stakeholders continue to push for structures that support scale, the emphasis is shifting towards ensuring that women are not only participating in business but are equipped to build enterprises that deliver sustained value and impact.