Digital transformation has been identified as a key driver of business growth and innovation, and women entrepreneurs in Nigeria have been urged to embrace this trend to increase their competitiveness and achieve their full potential. The call was made during a seminar organized by the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria (DTC) on the theme “Driving the Digital Transformation of Female Entrepreneurship in Nigeria”.
The event, which was co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union, brought together women support organizations, female entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to discuss gender barriers to digital transformation of female-owned businesses and ways to overcome them.
Dr Thuweba Diwani, Head of Project, DTC Nigeria, urged women entrepreneurs to be fearless and step out of their comfort zones to acquire digital tools for enhanced growth. According to her, fear of exploring new things and staying in their comfort zones are the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs. She encouraged them to embrace digital transformation, look at the benefits of digitization analytically, and acquire the necessary skills to get ahead.
Mentorship, positive attitude, curiosity, and confidence were identified as essential for women entrepreneurs to reach the next level of their careers. The seminar provided a platform for female entrepreneurs to learn from experienced professionals in the digital ecosystem and gain insights into the benefits of digital transformation.
Dr Amina Sambo-Magaji, Acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Development Department, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said women are essential in the digital space, and the agency is working on policies to close the gender gap in technology participation. She highlighted the need for women entrepreneurs to be aware of the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and to take advantage of the various support programs and initiatives available to them.
Mrs Gbeke Oshinowo, Technical Advisor, Digital/Entrepreneurship Skills Women and Youth, GIZ/DTC, said the objective of the seminar was to demystify the fears of female entrepreneurs in digital transformation and expose the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in Nigeria. She emphasized the need for women entrepreneurs to embrace digital transformation as a means of accelerating growth, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and increasing collaborations.
Mrs Tosin Abajo, Assistant Chief Enterprise officer, South-West, SMEDAN, said bridging the gap in female entrepreneurship through digital transformation is critical to the growth of women in the technology sector. She highlighted the various initiatives and support programs available to women entrepreneurs and encouraged them to take advantage of these opportunities.
Dr Wole Odetayo, Co-Founder, LoftyInc Allied Partners Ltd. Wennovation Hub, highlighted the benefits of digital transformation as accelerated growth, multidimensional inclusion, job creation, increased collaborations, and fostering innovation. He urged women entrepreneurs to adopt a strategic approach to digital transformation and to work closely with experienced professionals in the digital ecosystem.
The seminar provided a platform for networking and collaboration among female entrepreneurs, support organizations, and stakeholders. It also highlighted the need for greater awareness and advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the digital space.
In conclusion, the seminar emphasized the need for women entrepreneurs to embrace digital transformation as a means of accelerating growth, fostering innovation, and increasing competitiveness. It provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation and highlighted the various support programs and initiatives available to women entrepreneurs. The event also underscored the importance of mentorship, positive attitude, curiosity, and confidence in achieving success in the digital space.