Posted on May, 2, 2024 at 09:28 am
Prioritizing digital skills training and capacity building to equip women with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the digital landscape and leverage its benefits has been highlighted as an avenue to empower more women entrepreneurs.
At the just concluded one-day conference organised by New Faces New Voices, NFNV-Nigeria, held in Lagos with the theme, “Digital Financial Inclusion and Women Cross Border Trade in West Africa: Prospects and strategies” stakeholders disclosed that, for significant economic prosperity and empowerment of women across African region, it is pertinent to address issues relating to digital financial inclusion.
The conference as disclosed serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, through targeted interventions and strategic partnerships, aimed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, resources and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age.
Cross-border trade has long been a cornerstone of economic growth in West Africa, with women entrepreneurs at its forefront. Their resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering determination have not only fueled economic activity but have also enriched the social fabric of our communities.
She however lamented that, “Despite their invaluable contributions, women entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade face formidable challenges. From inadequate infrastructure to cumbersome customs processes, and even harassment, the barriers they encounter are diverse and complex.
“The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further compounded these challenges, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions to support women entrepreneurs in navigating the evolving landscape of cross-trade” she added.
Commenting on the efforts of some of the organizations that are supporting women in cross-border trade, Aminu appreciated the Pan-African Bank- EcoBank saying, no other financial institution can relate with the collaboration and action to be taken by the NFNV-NIGERIA in order to achieve desired results.
Source: Vangaurd