Business Women Hub Africa's 2026 annual conference focused on the role of structured development, access to funding and shared networks in shaping women-led enterprises, as stakeholders called for a shift from survival-driven entrepreneurship to long-term scale.
Held on Friday, March 27, the conference convened industry leaders, professionals and emerging entrepreneurs under the theme “Balancing the Scale: Empowering Women and Its Benefits”, in line with the global “Give to Gain” focus observed during International Women’s Month. Discussions throughout the event examined how women can build sustainable businesses through thoughtful planning, collaboration and access to opportunity.
The guest of honour, Assistant Women Leader of the APC in Lagos State, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, represented by Olubukola Odetayo, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Women Leader, in her inaugural address drew attention to the link between women's participation in business and macroeconomic outcomes. Enabling women to advance in enterprise strengthens the leadership pipeline and supports more inclusive growth, she said.
In keynote sessions and discussions, speakers defined empowerment as a process linked to identity, access and structure. Actress and lawyer Stella Damasus urged participants to reject limiting labels and take ownership of their roles in business and society while maintaining clarity in decision making. Ton Okewale Sonaiya, President and Co-Founder of Women's Radio Nigeria, expanded on the “Give to Gain” theme, describing empowerment as intentional outreach supported by sustainability and shared networks.
In a keynote address focused on internal capacity and business discipline, Yetunde Bankole-Bernard, Director of Finchglo Holdings and Chief Executive Officer of YBB Company, spoke on the need for expertise, delegation and self-confidence in scaling enterprises. He described structure as important for managing growth and said clarity in roles and systems allows founders to focus on long-term direction. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of City 105.1 FM, Adedoja Allen, reinforced this position through his experience in media leadership, citing tenacity, value creation and legacy as central to continued impact.
Contributions from Mercy Egbeti, Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Precious Adesina-Ola, Zusi Inegbeniki, Ella Ezedilije, Linda Ochugbua, Oyindamola Fawehinmi, Moyesoreoluwa Alesso, Anyim Edem, Abiola Adelana and Mobolaji Ajayi expanded the conversation into practical areas including business visibility, leadership positioning and long-term sustainability. Their sessions formed part of an interactive engagement designed to connect strategy with implementation for participants.
A recurring message throughout the conference was to position balance not as a constraint, but as a strategic tool. Speakers emphasized that growth driven by constant activity without structure can limit long-term results, while deliberate planning enables clarity, strong decision-making, and sustainable expansion.
Founder of Business Women Hub Africa, Imelda Usoro-Olaoye (also CEO of Thinkmint Nigeria and Green Mortgage) in her welcome speech affirmed the organisation’s focus on supporting early-stage women entrepreneurs through access to resources and networks. She said that since 2020, the Hub has reached out to over 1,200 women in Nigeria and the diaspora, providing training, funding opportunities and market access aimed at strengthening business capacity.
The conference also underlined the role of financial assistance in enabling scale-up. Through the Business Women Hub Grant, a total of N3,750,000 was awarded to eight women-led businesses including Dharakg Foods, Pemnia Wellness, Anesi Lifestyle, Shammah Drinks, Ivani.ng, Educare, AA Foods and Cassia Lily. Applicants were assessed based on professional criteria and growth potential defined in a selection process conducted by judges.
Beyond funding, the conference created avenues to increase market visibility, providing 20 media slots to members of the Business Women Hub community through Women FM 91.6 and City FM 105.1. The initiative is expected to support brand exposure and audience reach for participating businesses.
With a combination of funding support, strategic conversations and access to platforms, the conference reflects a broader effort to reestablish women-led enterprises within the economy. As stakeholders push for structures that support scale, there is an increased emphasis on ensuring that women are not only participating in business but are equipped to build enterprises that deliver sustained value and impact.