Business and women entrepreneurs from across all commonwealth member countries will converge in Oriental Hotel, Lagos for a-four-day summit under the auspices of the Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW-Africa).
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, the Steering Committee Chairperson for CBW-Africa, Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Helen Irene Efue stated that the event which will begin from March 8 to 11th,2025 in Nigeria coincides with the United Nations’ annual celebration of International Women’s Day(IWD),emphasizing their commitment to empowering women across the continent.
According to her, this year’s summit with the theme, “Synergies for Sustainable Prosperity: Uniting Trade, Health, Wellness, Technological Advancement, Informal Sector Advancement, and Clean Energy Solutions in Africa,” reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration and dialogue among leaders and stakeholders across various sectors.
“ In line with our goals, we are excited to unveil the world-class CBW-Africa Trade Centre during the summit, adding that the centre will serve as a vital hub for trade across borders, facilitating connections and opportunities within and outside the continent.
“By supporting the expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) agenda, the Trade Centre will empower women entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in a competitive global market place.” She added.
While noting that there will be an exhibition of locally made goods and services from Nigeria and other member countries, thereby highlighting the potentials of AfCFTA, Efue said that the event would feature awards and gala night to amplify the remarkable work that women across the continent have accomplished, saying “we celebrate our art and culture as African women”.
She further said the summit would feature in-depth discussions on equal opportunities and increasing the participation of women in government leadership and decision-making even as plenary sessions will cover aspects of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Recommended Action on the importance of women, peace and security (WPS).
One of the expected guest speakers is the Director-General/CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, while the Lagos State first lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa will grace the occasion.
With the Continental President being a Nigerian, Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole, CBW-Africa is dedicated to the empowerment, support and capacity building of businesswomen and entrepreneurs within the commonwealth member states of Africa.
