Lagos, Nigeria – The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) took center stage at the Herconomy Wealth Building Summit 2025 in Lagos, highlighting the agency’s commitment to empowering women-led businesses in the country. The summit, which drew over 1,000 women professionals, founders, and creatives, focused on strategies for sustainable wealth creation.
SMEDAN Director General Charles Odii delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the critical role women play in driving economic growth. He outlined SMEDAN’s various initiatives, including capacity-building programs, financing schemes, and digital tools designed to support women entrepreneurs.
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The summit, hosted by fintech platform Herconomy, aimed to break down financial barriers and promote financial inclusion, particularly for women in underserved sectors. High-profile speakers, including Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, NIMC DG/CEO Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and filmmaker Funke Akindele, echoed the message that inclusive wealth-building is essential for national economic growth and that women must be central to policy, investment, and innovation.
A session dedicated to “Building Wealth in the Creative Economy” explored how MSMEs in sectors like fashion, art, and culture can scale through innovation and access to finance. Panelists shared insights on how these businesses can leverage their creativity to generate wealth and contribute to the economy.
The summit also featured discussions on multigenerational wealth and an entrepreneurial showcase highlighting success stories of women-led businesses. The Herconomy Enterprise Challenge awarded grants to innovative ventures, while the Herconomy Savings Challenge encouraged smart financial habits through various incentives.
SMEDAN Director General Charles Odii reiterated the agency’s commitment to scaling these types of grassroots initiatives nationwide through policy support and public-private collaboration. This event underscores the growing recognition of the importance of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth in Nigeria and the efforts being made to support their success.
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