By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar has restated the Chamber’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in the country.
Dr Abubakar at a one-day workshop on, “Successful Business Operational Guide and Regulatory Competence For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)” organised by ACCI Women in Business Trade Group in partnership with Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) on Tuesday said, the Chamber will continue to embark on programmes that will boost the business capacity of Nigerian women entrepreneurs.
He said ACCI gives high priority to advancing the course of women in businesses and support their growth and development hence, the inauguration of the Women in Business Trade Group as part of efforts to encourage entrepreneurship among women.
While lauding the efforts of women in any society he said, women are very capable of turning things around no matter how difficult the situation is quoting the report of a Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
“The report stated that, Africa leads the world in the number of women starting businesses thereby making them to compete favourable with the men. The report further stated that in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia, female entrepreneurs outnumber the men hence, the reason for the support we give our women entrepreneurs to keep taking charge.”
The President who said prioritising the course of women in business was critical in growing the country’s economy added that this workshop is one of the ways to support the women entrepreneurs in the Chamber to gain some knowledge that will help them access opportunities and linking them with key stakeholders that will account for the growth of their businesses.
ACCI Vice President, Women Development and Gender Matters, Barr. (Mrs) Obiageli Roseline Nwosu said the workshop focused on equiping the women with information that would assist them access what they need to develop their businesses and also provide a platform where MSME’s and start-ups could meet with experienced business executives, key regulatory agencies and financial institutions.
She added that it will provide information on business development by sharing valuable experiences gathered over the years, regulatory compliance and other business needs such as access to finance.
The Managing Director Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Mr Muhammed Arabi who was represented by the Coordinator FCT One Stop Shop said 60 percent of the agency’s efforts in developing entrepreneurship were directed at women entrepreneurship.
He pledged that the agency would support any initiative that supports the development of women entrepreneurship because they understand the critical role women play in the economy.
The Director General ACCI, Victoria Akai in her closing remarks said the workshop is the first of its kind and promised to continue to bring such on board to help women entrepreneurs have understanding of the need to improve in their businesses and how to access opportunities that will be beneficial to them.
She appreciated all the agencies and organisations that partner with the Chamber for the success of the workshop while also urging them to keep the relationship going as we together, build stronger business communities for our women.
