LCCI urges Better Market Access for Women-Owned Businesses

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for stronger support for women-owned businesses through improved access to finance, wider market opportunities and digital capacity building.

The Chamber insisted that women entrepreneurs remained critical to Nigeria’s economic growth despite operating in a challenging business environment.

Speaking at the LCCI Women’s Group and SME Group Product Day 2026 in Lagos, LCCI President, Leye Kupoluyi, said recent economic indicators presented an opportunity for women-led businesses to expand, noting that sustained support would help them contribute more to national development.
 
 Themed ‘She Trades, She Thrives: Showcasing Excellence, Connecting Markets’, the event featured product exhibitions, business networking, hangout sessions and discussions aimed at promoting women entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights:

• LCCI calls for better finance and market access for women-owned businesses
• Chamber expands digital and AfCFTA support for women entrepreneurs
• Women urged to embrace technology and build stronger business networks

Kupoluyi said the Chamber would continue to advocate improved access to finance for women entrepreneurs by strengthening engagement with deposit money banks, development finance institutions, the Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank.
 “Supporting women entrepreneurs requires closing the credit gap or risk forfeiting the growth we see in non-oil GDP. The LCCI will continue to use its platforms to make a case for improved access to finance for women,” he said.

Kupoluyi also stressed the need to position women entrepreneurs to benefit from opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), adding that the Chamber would continue to work with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments (FMITI) to help women-owned businesses access regional markets.

He added that LCCI would expand its digital trade capacity-building programs for women-led micro, small and medium enterprises, describing technology as a key tool for reducing business costs and improving market reach.

Chair of the LCCI Women’s Group, Olufemi Ogun, described the annual Product Day as a platform created to give entrepreneurs the visibility, market access and business connections needed to grow.   She said the event, organised in collaboration with the Chamber’s SME Group, reflects a shared commitment to enterprise development and women’s economic empowerment.

According to her, the exhibition goes beyond displaying products, as it provides opportunities for discovery, collaboration and business growth. Ogun also announced the introduction of the Women in Industry Spotlight, a new feature designed to showcase accomplished female entrepreneurs and inspire the next generation of women in business.

Speaking at a fireside chat, LCCI Vice President and Managing Director, FAE Ltd, Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo, urged business owners to embrace technology rather than resist it, saying digital tools have become essential for improving business operations and efficiency.

She also advised women entrepreneurs to strengthen relationships within the business community by sharing experiences, celebrating one another’s achievements and creating opportunities for collaboration.

On succession planning, she encouraged business owners to involve their children early in family businesses by assigning responsibilities, exposing them to decision-making processes, and allowing them to contribute ideas.