How Women Achievers Africa is building a future where no woman stands alone

For decades, women have been conditioned to compete for limited seats at the top. But as research shows, the real key to success is not competition but collaboration. “Women who support women are more successful in business,” a Forbes report read.

When women support each other, economies thrive, businesses grow, and leadership gaps shrink. A 2023 McKinsey report revealed that companies with strong female networks outperform their competitors by 25% in revenue growth. Similarly, an Harvard Business Review publication found that companies with more women in leadership roles are more socially responsible and provide better customer experiences.

This message was at the heart of the Women Achievers Africa’s Nigeria chapter launch in Lagos, an event focused on building alliances that empower women across sectors. The event doubled as a powerful prelude to Women’s Month, featuring panel discussions on mentorship, gender inclusivity, and the importance of strategic alliance.

“Women must recognise that true leadership is not limited to personal success or achievements, said Olamide Adeleye, Global President of Women Achievers Africa. “It also involves paving the way for others.” With operations in 22 countries, the organisation is actively reshaping both the career and the business world for female entrepreneurship and leadership.

Economic Inclusion Through Strategic Alliances

Women Achievers Africa, founded by Victor Okwuadi, is not just a support network but also a movement. “Women are the most affected by poverty in Africa,” Okwuadi said in an interview with BD Weekender at the launch. “We must organise, mobilise, and ensure they have access to resources.”

The organisation has already made strides in East Africa, facilitating trade alliances between women in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. It is also advocating for policies to ease cross-border movement within Africa, recognising that restrictive regulations disproportionately hinder female entrepreneurs. “It is very difficult to move across Africa, and these are some of the barriers we want to fix,” Okwuadi added.

A major conference scheduled for July 29-31 in Lagos will bring together women from across industries to accelerate this agenda.

Also at the event, Lagos State government representative Titilayo Oshodi underscored the crucial link between women’s economic empowerment and sustainability. “Women must step forward, recognise their value, and leverage commerce in the circular economy to drive financial empowerment,” she said.

She pointed to waste management as a billion-dollar opportunity, highlighting that Nigerian households generate an estimated five kilograms of waste daily. “Can we begin to establish businesses that collect, recycle, and repurpose waste? This is where economic empowerment meets environmental sustainability,” she noted.

Speaking further, Oshodi announced a collaboration between Lagos State and Green Place Africa to distribute six million clean cookstoves, a project aimed at reducing deforestation and carbon emissions while boosting financial inclusion. “Women influence their households and communities. By adopting clean cookstoves, they drive sustainable practices and gain financial incentives,” she said.

Leveraging strategic alliances for success, growth

During a panel session at the launch, female leaders from diverse industries shared a common message, stating that strategic alliances are essential for success.

Simisola Alabi, a clinician and healthcare systems expert, highlighted the role of self-awareness in building valuable partnerships. Reflecting on her own journey, she shared how coaching helped her navigate networking as an introvert. “You must be clear and strategic,” she advised, urging women to offer value rather than simply seeking mentorship. Similarly, Ijeoma Ubosi, founder of Kontessa Group, emphasised that collaboration goes beyond friendships. It is about leveraging strengths for mutual growth.

Adding to that, Adekunbi Omotosho, co-founder of She Tech Alliance Africa, encouraged women to step into visibility and actively seek support. “We shortchange ourselves when we don’t showcase our work,” she said, recounting how a single introduction transformed her vision into a thriving nonprofit. Initially determined to build alone, she soon realised that partnerships were key to expanding impact.

This theme of strategic networking carried through to Ifeoma Udoh, founder of Shecluded, who stressed the importance of intelligence and legal protection in business. “Getting to the top is not the end, it is where the real work begins,” she said, urging women to separate emotions from business and invest in financial and legal expertise.

Udoh’s own experience demonstrated the power of high-level connections, adding that success is not just about skill but also about relationships and knowing how to leverage them.