Facebook just launched a new initiative to help train and empower thousands of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria!
According to reports, the tech giant teamed up with She Leads Africa, an online community helping young African women achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, to create their new #SheMeansBusiness initiative. It will include a boot camp for women to build, grow and start their own companies.
A Facebook study conducted by Development Economic revealed that Nigerian women “hold the key to unlocking $19.7 billion for the economy and the opportunity of creating additional jobs in the next five years.”
Abi Williams, Facebook’s SMB Sales Manager, agreed that Nigerian women are the “backbone of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
“We know that when women do better, economies do better” said Ebele Okobi, Facebook Public Policy Director, Africa. “The study conducted by Development Economics further highlights this, with research suggesting that an estimated 7 million new businesses could be set up by women in Nigeria by 2021* – placing a greater importance on the role of women’s entrepreneurial ambitions for overall economic and social development in the country.”
She Leads Africa’s co-founder Afua Osei added that they are excited to continue “our partnership with Facebook to expand access to the digital skills necessary to move African businesses forward.”
“We know that with the right tools and support, African women can compete on a global level and we look forward to taking these critical digital tools to entrepreneurs all across Nigeria,” he said.
This is the type of stuff we love to see!
TSR STAFF: Myeisha E.! @myeisha.essex on IG
