The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is set to convene a high-level stakeholder roundtable aimed at expanding access to non-interest financing for women-owned businesses in a move to bridge funding gaps and drive inclusive economic growth.
The president of ACCI, Dr Emeka Obegolu, said the initiative underscores the Chamber’s commitment to empowering women economically.
“At ACCI, we have consistently prioritised initiatives that promote women’s inclusion in business and economic development. We recognise that women-owned enterprises are not only vital contributors to job creation and innovation but also key drivers of sustainable growth,” Obegolu stated.
Obegolu noted that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to address structural barriers limiting women’s access to capital.
“This Roundtable represents one of several targeted interventions by the Chamber to address structural barriers limiting women’s access to finance. By promoting non-interest financing models, we are creating practical pathways for women to access funding without the constraints of high interest rates and rigid collateral requirements,” he said.
Obegolu added that the Chamber aims to ensure discussions translate into tangible outcomes.
“Our goal is not just to convene conversations but to catalyse actionable outcomes, strengthening partnerships, influencing policy, and ensuring that women entrepreneurs are equipped with the resources and networks required to scale their businesses,” Obegolu explained.
Co-host and Vice President, Women Development and Gender Matters, Lawunmi Ismail, highlighted the critical role of women-led enterprises in economic resilience.
“By creating access to non-interest financing, we are not only removing barriers but also opening new pathways for women to scale their enterprises with confidence,” Ismail said.
Convener of the roundtable, Iliyasu Gashinbaki, emphasised the importance of alternative financing mechanisms.
“Non-interest finance provides a practical and ethical solution to the financing challenges faced by many entrepreneurs. This Roundtable will bring stakeholders together to deepen understanding, strengthen collaboration, and design solutions that are both accessible and sustainable,” Gashinbaki noted.
Co-Convener Chioma Njoku stressed the need for inclusive financial solutions.
“This initiative ensures that the voices and realities of women entrepreneurs are at the centre of financial solutions, building trust, increasing awareness, and equipping women with the tools and networks they need to access funding,” Njoku said.
The event is expected to attract participation from key institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the African Development Bank, the Bank of Industry, and the Development Bank of Nigeria.
Director General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, described the initiative as a strategic platform to advance enterprise development and policy advocacy.
The roundtable is expected to generate actionable recommendations, expand funding opportunities, and strengthen partnerships to accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses across Nigeria
The roundtable will focus on non-interest financial instruments such as Murabaha, Mudaraba, Ijara, and Sukuk, which offer ethical, asset-backed, and risk-sharing alternatives to conventional financing.
