By Vivian Emoni
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says it is collaborating with financial institutions to address persistent challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing finance.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the chamber said this while briefing the newsmenon Thursday in Abuja ahead of High-level Stakeholders’ Roundtable, on Mobilising Non-interest Funding for Women-Owned Businesses.
Obegolu said that the meeting would also address challenges associated with high interest rates, stringent collateral requirements, and limited credit history.
“The ACCI, through its Banking, Insurance and Finance Trade Group in collaboration with the Women in Business Trade Group, will host the programme on May 8, 2026 to explore non-interest financing” he said.
The president emphasised the chamber’s sustained commitment to women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
“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,” he added.
Obegolu noted that the meeting was part of a broader strategic effort by the chamber to close the financing gap for women entrepreneurs.
He further said that the event would be one of the several targeted interventions by the ACCI to address structural barriers limiting women’s access to finance.
According to him, 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.
“The ACCI remains committed to building platforms that translate dialogue into real impact.
“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 resources and networks to scale their businesses,” he said.
Dr Iliyasu Gashinbaki, Founder and President/Chairman of Governing Council of Chartered, Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), highlighted alternative financing mechanisms available to entrepreneurs.
Gashinbaki described non-interest finance as a practical solution to funding challenges, adding that the roundtable would deepen collaboration and design sustainable, accessible solutions.
The Chairperson of Women in Business Trade Group, Mrs Chioma Njoku, said the programme would help in bridging inclusivity gaps.
This, according to her, is because the initiative centres women entrepreneurs’ realities, builds trust, raises awareness, and equips them with tools and networks to access funding opportunities.
Njoku said there was the need for intentional support for women entrepreneurs, noting that women-owned businesses drive economic resilience and community development through improved access to non-interest financing.
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General, ACCI, said the roundtable would support enterprise development and policy advocacy.
Jideani, therefore, expressed optimism that it would expand funding access, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate growth of women-owned businesses nationwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is convened by the Finance and Banking, Insurance and Finance Trade Group, Women in Business Trade Group as Co-Convener, among otherss.
The programme will attract participants from key institutions, including Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ministry of Women Affairs, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Bank of Industry (BoI) among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Uche Anunne
