Women-Led SME's Boost Nigeria's Non-Oil Export Momentum

• Nigeria hits $6.1B non-oil export record, up 11.5% across 120 global markets
• SMEs drive growth; women make up 40% of operators of nation’s SME base
• Push to boost women exporters’ access to finance, markets

In 2025 Nigeria’s non-oil export performance peaked with a surge 11.5% to $6.1 billion across 120 global markets. According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the historic high record was seen as a step towards prioritizing women-led businesses in shaping the nation and sector’s future expansion.

The marking is recorded as highest performance till date, while export volumes climbed 10% to 8.02 million metric tonnes, covering 281 products across key sectors including agriculture, processed goods, industry, and minerals.

NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni revealed the data at an Abuja forum on women-led enterprises. Nonye described them as tangible outcomes of Nigeria’s ongoing push toward a diversified economy. She attributed the growth to stronger export compliance, with enhanced regulatory coordination, and shift toward value-added goods. She underscored Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of the sector, accounting for 96% of businesses, with women constituting about 40% of SME operators.

Speaking on the expansion and sector’s progress WTO’s Special Assistant Nichole Mensah emphasized that Nigerian women entrepreneurs continue to innovate amid systemic constraints, citing that Women exporters in the Digital Economy initiative as a strategic platform supporting global market participation.  Aliyu Sheriff, Special Adviser to the President, advocated for removing structural barriers to finance and market access, stressing women must compete and lead in exports in international trade.