Lagos, Nigeria – August 18, 2025 — Building on a previously funded initiative under the Innovation Fund, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has once again partnered with the Women in Digital Business (WIDB) program, an initiative sponsored by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and Microsoft, to expand the reach and impact of digital training for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
In this new and extended phase, the program takes a dual-cohort approach, running two impactful training streams simultaneously. Cohort 1 focuses on Training of Trainers (ToT), equipping 100 trainers with advanced digital business skills and pedagogical tools to empower others in their communities.
Cohort 2 is currently reaching over 100 women entrepreneurs in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State. This builds on the momentum of a successful pilot session conducted in Ikorodu, where participating entrepreneurs reported significant improvements in their business outlook and digital confidence under the Training of Women Entrepreneurs of the initiative.
“We are proud to be part of a global initiative that puts actionable tools in the hands of women entrepreneurs; and we are excited on the recognition by the Women In Digital Business (WIDB) as an Institutional partner on the laudable initiative,” said NNEW President, Mrs. Adefunke Kuyoro.
“As the world rapidly evolves, digital skills are not a luxury,they are essential for business resilience and competitiveness. More importantly, the future of business is digital, and with partners like these, we are empowering women not just to survive, but to lead and innovate.”
The training program is designed to equip women entrepreneurs with essential digital business skills needed to grow their businesses, expand their market reach, and navigate today’s digital economy.
The comprehensive curriculum includes modules on: Digital transformation strategy, Building an effective online presence, Selling products and services online, Digitizing business operations and processes and Developing action plans for practical implementation
“Through this digital training, we are helping entrepreneurs move from survival to scalability, enabling them to tap into wider markets and position their businesses for long-term success.” said Eniola Mayowa, Publicity Secretary, NNEW. “Thanks to the continued support from ILO, ITC, and Microsoft, we are scaling the impact, empowering a new generation of trainers while directly equipping more entrepreneurs with practical skills to thrive in the digital economy”.
The training, scheduled to continue through September 2025, aims to empower over 500 women, providing them with essential skills to navigate and excel in today’s digital landscape. As NNEW continues to expand its footprint in empowering women through innovation, these initiatives serve as a beacon of hope and progress for female entrepreneurs nationwide.
Women In Digital Business combines global expertise and local impact, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on guidance to help participants develop customized digitalization plans tailored to their business goals.
Now, with this expanded partnership, NNEW is solidifying its role as a leading force in championing digital inclusion for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
About the Partners
NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) is a dynamic Network of women entrepreneurs committed to promoting economic empowerment, leadership, and sustainable business practices through advocacy, training, and networking.
Women in Digital Business (WIDB) is a global program supporting women entrepreneurs with knowledge and tools for digital transformation. The initiative is jointly supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and Microsoft.
Together, these partners are fostering an inclusive digital future where women-led businesses can innovate, grow, and lead at local and global levels.
WIDB Training held in some venues in Lagos
