Aisha Babangida, Founder of the Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA), has called for greater support for women entrepreneurs and sustainable growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja, Babangida emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between policy development and real-world implementation, especially for SMEs striving to thrive in Nigeria’s challenging business environment.
She noted that entrepreneurs need practical, actionable solutions and a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of SME opportunities and obstacles.
Highlighting WenA’s upcoming 5th Annual Conference, Babangida said the event will bring together leaders in policy, business, and development to advance SME sustainability and female entrepreneurship.
“SMEs are the engine of Nigeria’s economy — driving employment, innovation, and community development,” she said. “However, persistent obstacles such as high operational costs, complex tax systems, and unfriendly regulatory environments continue to impede their growth — especially for businesses led by women.”
According to her, this year’s WenA conference will shift the focus from dialogue to action by proposing concrete policy solutions and practical tools to help SMEs flourish.
The conference, which is being organised in partnership with UN Women, will feature a detailed policy roadmap offering strategies and recommendations to tackle taxation and cost-related challenges affecting small businesses.
Sessions will include discussions on tax harmonisation, fiscal reforms, and creating a more supportive tax structure for SMEs, particularly in Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
Babangida added that the event would also celebrate innovation and excellence within the SME sector, including the prestigious “Most Scalable Business in North-Central Nigeria” award and certificates of excellence for outstanding impact.
“The goal is to build strategic partnerships and stimulate business growth by uniting policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and development stakeholders,” she stated.