The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), through its Banking, Insurance and Finance Trade Group in collaboration with the Women in Business Trade Group, will host a high-level stakeholder roundtable on mobilising non-interest funding for women-owned businesses.
The roundtable is scheduled to hold on May 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m at the Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, Abuja Trade and Convention Centre.
ACCI President Emeka Obegolu will serve as Chief Host of the event, with Vice President, Women Development & Gender Matters, Lawunmi Ismail, as Co-Host.
The initiative is convened by the Vice President, Finance and Chairman of the Banking, Insurance and Finance Trade Group, Yerima Iliyasu Gashinbaki, alongside Chioma Njoku, the Chairperson of the Women in Business Trade Group as Co-Convener.
The roundtable to address persistent challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing traditional financing, including high interest rates, stringent collateral requirements, and limited credit history.
It will explore non-interest financing as a viable and inclusive alternative, leveraging ethical, asset-backed, and risk-sharing financial models such as Murabaha, Mudaraba, Ijara, and Sukuk.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Obegolu emphasised the chamber’s sustained commitment to women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
“At ACCI, we have consistently prioritised initiatives that promote women’s inclusion in business and economic development. We recognise that women-owned enterprises are not only vital contributors to job creation and innovation, but also key drivers of sustainable growth.”
He further noted that the roundtable is part of a broader strategic effort by the Chamber to close the financing gap for women entrepreneurs.
“This roundtable represents one of several targeted interventions by the Chamber to address structural barriers limiting women’s access to finance. By promoting non-interest financing models, we are creating practical pathways for women to access funding without the constraints of high interest rates and rigid collateral requirements.”
The President added that ACCI remains committed to building platforms that translate dialogue into real impact.
“Our goal is not just to convene conversations, but to catalyse actionable outcomes, strengthening partnerships, influencing policy, and ensuring that women entrepreneurs are equipped with the resources and networks required to scale their businesses.”
The Vice President, Women Development & Gender Matters and Co-Host, Lawunmi Ismail, highlighted the need to intentionally support women entrepreneurs stating that women-owned businesses are central to economic resilience and community development.
“By creating access to non-interest financing, we are not only removing barriers but also opening new pathways for women to scale their enterprises with confidence.”
Mr Gashinbaki underscored the relevance of alternative financing models.
He noted that non-interest finance provides a practical and ethical solution to the financing challenges faced by many entrepreneurs.
This Roundtable will bring stakeholders together to deepen understanding, strengthen collaboration, and design solutions that are both accessible and sustainable.
Also speaking, Mrs Njoku, emphasised the importance of representation and inclusion, adding that this initiative ensures that the voices and realities of women entrepreneurs are at the centre of financial solutions.
It is about building trust, increasing awareness, and equipping women with the tools and networks they need to access funding.
Key stakeholders expected
This event is expected to attract high-level participation from key government and regulatory institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Bank of Industry (BOI), and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN).
Beyond institutional representation, the roundtable will bring together a diverse mix of stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, fintech companies, development partners, and women entrepreneurs, fostering meaningful dialogue and practical collaboration.
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Discussions will focus on promoting awareness of non-interest financial instruments, facilitating direct engagement between financiers and entrepreneurs, addressing misconceptions, and generating actionable policy recommendations to strengthen financial inclusion.
In his remarks, the Director General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, emphasised the strategic importance of the roundtable as part of the Chamber’s broader mandate to support enterprise development and policy advocacy.
He noted that the initiative reflects ACCI’s commitment to fostering an enabling business environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive through innovative and inclusive financing models, adding that the chamber will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that outcomes from the roundtable translate into tangible support mechanisms for women-owned businesses.
The engagement is expected to expand access to funding, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses across Nigeria.
AMINA A. SAMUEL
ASSISTANT MEDIA OFFICER, ACCI
