A milestone moment awaits as the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), with support from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and in partnership with the Sterling One Foundation, hosts the Women Investment Readiness Accelerator (WIRA) Demo Day to spotlight the innovation, resilience, and growth potential of women-led enterprises in Nigeria.
The Demo Day marks the final phase of the WIRA programme, giving participating women entrepreneurs — who have undergone weeks of intensive business development training, mentorship, and investment readiness coaching — the opportunity to pitch their ventures before targeted investors, development finance institutions, and key ecosystem partners.
WIRA was created to bridge the longstanding capacity and financing gaps faced by women-led businesses. Despite their significant role in driving economic productivity and job creation, many women entrepreneurs across Nigeria continue to face limited access to capital, quality advisory services, structured markets, and strategic networks needed to scale sustainably.
The programme tackles these challenges by equipping participants with practical tools, resources, and confidence to strengthen and expand their enterprises in competitive markets.
Speaking ahead of the Demo Day, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director/CEO of Development Bank of Nigeria Plc, emphasised the importance of investing in women-led businesses: “The WIRA programme represents a strong step toward unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs who, for too long, have been underserved. At DBN, we recognize that empowering women-led MSMEs is essential for achieving inclusive economic growth.
The Demo Day presents an opportunity to showcase the innovation and resilience women bring to the Nigerian economy and to connect them with partners that can help scale their impact.”
Similarly, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, noted that the Demo Day aligns with the Foundation’s long-term commitment to women’s economic