EFInA Advances Women’s Financial Empowerment in Abuja Conference
Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Progress (EFInA) is intensifying its initiatives to promote women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion. This commitment was evident during the recent International Women’s Month Conference in Abuja, which convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including women’s organizations, financial service providers, regulators, and development partners.
Exploring Collaborative Solutions for Economic Empowerment
The conference, aptly themed “Gather, Earn, Grow,” served as a platform for participants to discuss effective strategies for advancing women’s economic empowerment. Emphasis was placed on fostering stronger collaboration and designing financial solutions that deliberately address the unique needs of women.
A Platform for Sharing Experiences and Challenges
Held in recognition of International Women’s Day 2026 under the global theme “Give to Gain,” the event created opportunities for women’s organizations to showcase their successes on the ground and to shed light on the persistent challenges that hinder women’s access to formal financial services.
Call to Action for Inclusive Growth
In his opening remarks, EFInA CEO Foyinsolami Akinjayeju stressed that the gathering was not merely a celebration but a demonstration of commitment to action. He highlighted the crucial role of women, particularly women entrepreneurs, in driving economic activities across Nigeria, asserting that genuine inclusive growth cannot occur without significant investment in this demographic.
Addressing Barriers to Financial Service Access
Dr. Aisha Isa Olatinwo, Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), conveyed a goodwill message emphasizing the need for clear policies to enhance women’s financial inclusion. She urged financial service providers to create affordable products that respond to the realities faced by women.
Engaging Discussions and Valuable Insights
The conference featured dynamic panel discussions with representatives from women’s associations, financial institutions, and policy stakeholders, alongside a keynote address from Dr. Hadiza Maina, National Coordinator of the Nigeria Women’s Program Expansion Project. Participants actively exchanged insights, fostering a collective understanding of both the challenges and opportunities present within the financial ecosystem.
Commitment to Concrete Action and Progress
Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Presidential Technical Adviser on Financial Inclusion, further emphasized that supporting women is essential for national development. Citing results from a medium-term evaluation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), she reiterated the significance of prioritizing women in financial strategies.
Building Capacity for Women-Centric Solutions
Michael Ilesanmi, Senior Financial Sector Specialist at the World Bank, described the convocation as timely, noting its importance in achieving inclusive growth through women-led businesses. Emedino Afiegbe, EFInA’s Head of Gender, highlighted the role of women’s groups as critical platforms that facilitate interactions and engagement with formal financial services.
Focus on Women-Centered Financial Solutions
In addressing the key questions of how to better serve women, EFInA’s Gender Center of Excellence advocates for a deeper understanding of women’s needs. They stress the importance of employing “women-centered design” methodologies to create financial solutions that align with women’s realities. Post-conference, EFInA aims to enhance the capacity of financial service providers to offer effective credit solutions while collaborating with regulators and industry practitioners to foster an enabling environment for women’s financial empowerment.
Shared Commitment to Women’s Financial Inclusion
The event concluded with participants reaffirming their dedication to advancing women’s financial inclusion. This shared commitment reflects a collective ambition to transform discussions into meaningful actions, forming stronger partnerships and achieving measurable progress for women across Nigeria. EFInA remains resolute in its mission to build a financial system that serves all Nigerians, especially those underserved, by generating evidence, supporting innovation, and fostering impactful partnerships that drive inclusive economic growth.
