Alitheia Capital has launched its W.O.M.A.N. 2026 programme, an initiative aimed at addressing funding challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. According to Punch, the programme connects more than 300 women-led businesses with investors and professional expertise in an effort to close persistent capital gaps. The initiative reflects broader efforts to expand access to financing for female founders, who often face greater difficulty securing investment for their enterprises.

In Dar es Salaam, many women entrepreneurs face significant challenges in accessing capital, which is crucial for the survival and growth of their small businesses. This issue affects various individuals, including those looking to expand their operations, such as a Mama Ntilie needing a larger cooking stove or a market vendor wanting to increase her stock, according to Daily News.

Wetech Women Foundation, in collaboration with the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, has launched the PitchHer Investment Readiness Program aimed at equipping Nigerian women founders with the necessary skills to raise capital. This initiative seeks to support and empower women entrepreneurs in Nigeria's tech sector.

Discussions about small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have traditionally centered on access to finance. However, according to Nairametrics, funding alone is insufficient for driving the next phase of SME growth. Entrepreneurs are confronted with challenges such as high operational costs, evolving customer preferences, rapid technological advancements, and increased competition, indicating a need for a broader approach beyond just financial support.

Nkechi Okenwa, a Nigerian engineer and CEO of Energy Excell Systems, is promoting women's inclusion in the renewable energy sector through solar innovation, STEM training, and community empowerment initiatives. She is also the founder of WEESI, which focuses on enhancing women's leadership in Nigeria's energy landscape.

Emma Okonji discusses the challenges faced by Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The conversation has often centered on high-level innovation, but many SMEs struggle with practical implementation issues.