A significant stride has been made in the global effort to deepen women’s participation in international commerce this week in Abuja. A major trade mission, strategically convened by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has successfully connected 30 pioneering Nigerian women-led businesses with 12 discerning UK importers.
This initiative, funded by the United Kingdom government, represents a concrete step towards unlocking an estimated $32 million in previously untapped export potential between the two nations, signaling a new era of economic collaboration and female entrepreneurial growth.
The three-day mission (November 18-20, 2025) operating under the banner of the UK’s SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, deliberately focused on the agrifood and beauty sectors. These are areas where Nigerian women entrepreneurs have already demonstrated remarkable competitiveness and innovation, yet have historically faced barriers to formal export participation. The event served as a dynamic platform to bridge this gap, transforming local potential into international business opportunities.
Speaking at the opening session, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever OBE, reinforced the UK’s steadfast commitment to this cause. “The UK is committed to supporting Nigerian women entrepreneurs to access international markets and grow the The SheTrades mission underscores the “enormous potential” for Nigerian exports in the UK market, according to British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever.
She cited the mission’s tangible results—over $300,000 in sales—as evidence of what is achievable by empowering women entrepreneurs. Lever also connected this initiative to the broader UK trade framework, noting it builds upon the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). This scheme provides duty-free and quota-free access for the vast majority of Nigerian products, establishing a competitive landscape for new exporters.
Echoing this sentiment, NEPC’s Executive Director and CEO, Nonye Ayeni, delivered a powerful affirmation of women’s central role in reshaping Nigeria’s economic future. “Ayeni stated that women possess the resilience, tenacity, and determination essential for leadership, declaring, ‘They possess an indefatigable spirit and a proven track record of success.”
proclaimed. She emphasized that this initiative is perfectly aligned with NEPC’s broader strategic goal to diversify Nigeria’s economy by aggressively broadening its non-oil export base and fully integrating women-led enterprises into high-value global supply chains.
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The optimism surrounding this collaboration is firmly rooted in tangible results and a clear strategic vision. Michelle Kristy, ITC Programme Manager for SheTrades Commonwealth+, confirmed a strong and growing appetite among UK buyers for the unique offerings of Nigerian producers. “The potential for Nigerian women-led businesses and their products to enter the UK market is truly immense,” Kristy noted. “This trade mission is about building bridges, connecting these talented women entrepreneurs with potential buyers and providing them a platform to flourish.”
This landmark event in Abuja is not an isolated incident but part of a sustained, multi-faceted effort. Earlier engagements this year, including the participation of five Nigerian firms in the Halal Expo Manchester, have already yielded over $300,000 in new sales and promising leads.
Beyond trade missions, the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme has made significant investments in capacity building, training over 1,000 Nigerian women entrepreneurs in critical areas like branding, digital marketing, and export readiness between 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, in a move that promises systemic change, the ITC is collaborating with Nigerian authorities to finalize an affirmative procurement policy designed to open public tenders to women, youth, and other marginalized groups, ensuring that economic inclusion becomes a lasting cornerstone of national policy.
