Lagos, Nigeria – September 3, 2026 — NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has successfully held its 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a significant milestone in the Network’s journey of promoting women’s entrepreneurship, enterprise development and economic empowerment in Nigeria.
The landmark AGM, held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, brought together members, business leaders, partners, stakeholders and distinguished guests to reflect on the Network’s journey, review its activities and achievements, and chart a stronger course for its future.
A major highlight of the AGM was the election of Mrs. Bolanle Edwards as the 6th President of NNEW. Her election ushers in a new chapter of leadership for the Network as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading platform for supporting, connecting and empowering women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
The AGM was graced by the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale Oyerinde, who commended the contributions of NNEW to the development of women entrepreneurs and the growth of businesses in Nigeria. He reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to supporting the growth, sustainability and continued advancement of the Network.
Also in attendance were members of the NNEW Governing Council, led by its Chairperson, Mrs. Fayo Williams, whose presence underscored the Council’s commitment to the continued progress and development of the Network.
Other distinguished personalities at the AGM included Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce CC Nigeria, and Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, Vice Chair, Africa, at the World Chamber Federation, among other eminent guests, business leaders and stakeholders.
The presence of these distinguished personalities reflected the significance of the occasion and NNEW’s growing relevance as a platform for advancing women’s entrepreneurship, enterprise development and economic empowerment.
The AGM also provided an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the vision, dedication, sacrifices and contributions of NNEW’s founding executives, past presidents, successive leaders and members whose collective efforts have contributed to the growth and sustainability of the Network over the past two decades.
Since its establishment, NNEW has continued to play a strategic role in empowering women entrepreneurs through capacity building, mentoring, networking, advocacy and business linkages. Over the years, the Network has organised and participated in several impactful initiatives, including Annual Summits, trade fairs, foreign and international trade engagements, advocacy programmes and strategic collaborations with development partners and corporate organisations.
Through partnerships with organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), ActionAid, FHI 360/Alive & Thrive, FCMB, GIZ, dRPC – development Research and Projects Center, ICC Nigeria, among others, NNEW has continued to create opportunities and deliver interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs and supporting them to build and grow sustainable businesses.
As the Network enters a new phase under the leadership of Mrs. Bolanle Edwards, NNEW remains committed to building a stronger, more responsive and sustainable organisation that delivers tangible value to its members and the wider entrepreneurial community.
The new leadership is expected to build on the solid foundation laid by the Network’s founding executives and successive leaders by strengthening capacity-building programmes, deepening mentoring and networking opportunities, expanding business linkages, enhancing advocacy, fostering strategic partnerships and strengthening NNEW Chapters across the country.
The successful conduct of the 20th AGM reaffirms NNEW’s enduring commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, strengthening their businesses and enabling them to contribute more meaningfully to national development.
As NNEW looks ahead to the next phase of its journey, the Network remains focused on its vision of building successful women-led enterprises and empowering women to take their rightful place as leaders, innovators and contributors to the future of Nigeria’s economy.
SIGNED
NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW)
Secretariat
