ITC SheTrades, UPS Collaborate to Empower 20,000 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs

The International Trade Centre’s (ITC) SheTrades initiative has inaugurated its second phase in Nigeria, focusing on digital leadership and empowering 20,000 women entrepreneurs over the next three years.

Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, Kritee Sharrma, Head of Partnerships for SheTrades at ITC, said the empowerment initiative was in collaboration with the United Parcel Service (UPS) Women Exporters Programme.

She noted that the Women Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) were implementing partners.

Sharrma stated that digital skills are vital for women’s economic growth.

“Africa is on the brink of a digital revolution, growing at 10 per cent annually. Providing equitable access to digital tools and technologies is crucial,” Sharrma said.

According to her, the initiative aims to equip women with both technical and soft skills to succeed in the digital economy.

“We want women to be leaders, not just participants, in the digital economy,” Sharrma said.

She added that the SheTrades and UPS Women Exporters Programme, which has already impacted over 200 participants in Nigeria, operates in 73 countries worldwide.

Sharrma highlighted key digital tools, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital marketing, as necessary resources for women to boost their businesses.

“We believe success in the digital economy requires both technical and soft skills,” Sharrma said.

Regarding potential impact, Sharrma expressed hope that 100 per cent of the participants would apply at least one piece of information from the training to grow their businesses within the next year.

Mr Morolayo Igeleke, Country Marketing Manager at UPS, emphasised the UPS-ITC SheTrades partnership initiative and UPS’s commitment to bridging the digital divide for disadvantaged women.

“UPS aims to educate and enlighten women worldwide, particularly in countries where less than 50 per cent of women are digitally literate,” Igeleke said.

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The marketing manager stated that the partnership with ITC SheTrades would focus on digital inclusion, enabling women to leverage technology for business growth.

“We want to empower women of all ages to become digitally savvy entrepreneurs,” Igeleke said.

He explained that the three-year initiative would provide training in digital skills, artificial intelligence, and data analysis.

“Today’s women must understand technology to upscale their businesses,” Igeleke added.

According to him, UPS’s investment in Nigerian women is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economic growth.

“Nigerian women are key to its prosperity, and we are committed to unlocking their potential,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Oreoluwa Lesi, Executive Director of W.TEC, stated that the main focus of the initiative is digital empowerment for women entrepreneurs.

“Today, we have trained many women in using digital tools for business growth. These free tools are accessible and can greatly enhance entrepreneurship.

“W.TEC will host follow-up webinars on digital skills and entrepreneurship to continue enlightening women on ways to boost their businesses.

“Women’s leadership in business and society is crucial,” Lesi noted.

In her keynote speech, Nnenna Ugwu, Director of Alumni Relations at the Enterprise Development Centre, emphasised the importance of developing a growth mindset and collaboration for entrepreneurial success.

Ugwu stated that women entrepreneurs must understand their motivations and strengths to scale their businesses.

Highlighting the need for women to support one another, Ugwu said: “We must break the cycle of backbiting and negativity. Instead, let us collaborate, share knowledge, and uplift each other.

“Entrepreneurial success requires a combination of mindset, skills, and strategy. By embracing these principles, we can unlock our potential, create sustainable businesses, and make a lasting impact,” she said.

Ugwu urged women entrepreneurs to focus on efficiency, technology, and innovation to achieve scalability.

“Reduce operational costs, leverage digital tools, and seek mentorship. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or learn from others,” she said.