… Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Inclusion
By Mercy Peter
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced the provision of 50 free exhibition booths for women-owned businesses.
As part of the 2026 celebration, ACCI will host a two-day Women Entrepreneurs Workshop and SME Exhibition from Monday, March 9 to Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
The gesture is part of activities to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, Dr. Emeka Obegolu, President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) said.
Obegolu, SAN in a statement noted that the initiative underscores the Chamber’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and fostering inclusive growth in Nigeria.
He stated that this year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” highlights the importance of investing in women through improved access to finance, mentorship, market opportunities, and supportive policies.
According to him, empowering women entrepreneurs strengthens businesses, stabilises families, and drives national prosperity.
He acknowledged the significant contributions of women to Nigeria’s economic landscape, while noting that limited access to affordable financing, regulatory bottlenecks, and socio-cultural barriers continue to restrict their full participation in economic decision-making.
The ACCI Vice President, Women and Gender Matters, Engr. (Mrs.) Lawunmi Ismail, noted that the programme is intentionally designed to strengthen women’s participation in business and economic development. She emphasised that empowering women entrepreneurs goes beyond inclusion and directly impacts economic growth, stressing that when women succeed in business, families prosper, communities grow stronger, and the broader economy benefits.
She reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to creating sustainable platforms that equip women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility needed to excel in today’s competitive business environment.
The Director General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, also reiterated that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved when women are intentionally supported and positioned at the forefront of enterprise development.
He described the free exhibition booths as a practical demonstration of ACCI’s strategic commitment to women-led businesses and called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to collaborate in dismantling barriers that hinder women’s advancement.
The two-day programme will feature a Women’s Empowerment Workshop, panel discussions focused on sustainable financing and protection from predatory lending, as well as a social media marketing masterclass designed to equip participants with practical digital skills. The business exhibition will provide women entrepreneurs with a strategic platform to showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers, and expand their professional networks.
The International Women’s Day 2026 activities reflect ACCI’s broader agenda of promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening women-led enterprises, and creating inclusive opportunities within Nigeria’s commerce and industry ecosystem.
