HerVest has launched the HerVest Financial Inclusion Report 2026 alongside Dara AI, an artificial intelligence-powered financial assistant designed to help women make informed financial decisions, improve their financial wellbeing and build long-term wealth.
The two initiatives were unveiled at the fourth edition of ValueUp 2026, HerVest’s annual conference held at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. The conference, themed “Wealth Building Beyond Earnings,” brought together business leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and professionals to discuss practical ways of helping more women move beyond earning an income to building sustainable wealth.
According to HerVest, the report and Dara AI form part of its efforts to expand access to financial services while providing women with the information, products and support needed to strengthen their financial positions over time.
Speaking at the event, HerVest Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Solape Akinpelu, said women require more than access to financial services if they are to achieve lasting financial security.
“Women need more than financial access; they need financial systems that help them grow, protect, and multiply their wealth. At HerVest, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to ensure every woman has access to the tools, insights and opportunities needed to achieve long-term financial security and prosperity. The launch of our report and Dara AI reflect that commitment,” she said.
The HerVest Financial Inclusion Report 2026 is the result of six months of research into the financial behaviours, aspirations and challenges of Nigerian women. Rather than focusing only on financial access, the report examines the products, services and support women need to save consistently, invest with confidence, build businesses, protect their income and plan for the future.
The report was presented by Professor Olayinka David-West, Professor of Information Systems and Dean of Lagos Business School, alongside Adeola Azeez, Co-founder of WIMBIZ and Social Policy Advocate.
They said financial systems should respond to the different financial needs of women, including savings, investments, insurance, pensions, credit and long-term financial planning. They also highlighted the importance of gender-disaggregated data in helping financial institutions and policymakers develop solutions that better serve women, particularly those working in the informal sector.
Alongside the report, HerVest introduced Dara AI, a WhatsApp-verified financial assistant developed to provide personalised financial guidance through a platform already used by millions of Nigerians.
The AI assistant offers tailored guidance on budgeting, saving, investing and long-term financial planning, allowing users to access financial support without the need for specialised applications or technical knowledge. By operating through WhatsApp, HerVest said the platform removes barriers that often limit access to financial advice and makes financial guidance available regardless of location or income level.
Speaking on the technology, HerVest Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Yomi Ogunleye, said the organisation would continue to use research and technology to develop financial solutions that support women’s financial independence.
Beyond the product launches, ValueUp 2026 featured discussions on entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, career development and wealth creation.
Speakers included Adewale Arikawe, Group Chief Executive Officer of SIFAX Group; Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EnergyInc Advisors; Ego Obiegbunam, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of TRACE; Tope Oludimu, Chief Operating Officer of Meristem Stockbrokers; Victor Olojo, Head of Agency Banking and Financial Inclusion at Wema Bank; Margaret Agbonlahor, Senior Vice President, Business Development at FSDH Asset Management; Ezinne Nwafor, Head of Gender Banking at Sterling Bank; Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya; Sola Adesakin; and Peju Faloye, among other industry leaders.
The conference also featured HerVest’s Adrenaline Pitch Competition, where women entrepreneurs presented their businesses before a panel of judges for an opportunity to secure funding.
Ali-Balogun Oluwafisayomi, founder of FIFI Creamy Creation, emerged as the overall winner and received the N500,000 grand prize. Kachi Maduagwu, founder of Preson, finished as first runner-up and received N300,000, while Karim Oluwatoyin, founder of Meals by TK, came second runner-up and received N200,000.
Participants were also entertained by musician Yinka Davies during the event.
The conference was supported by FSDH Asset Management, Meristem, Wema Bank, PecanTrust Microfinance Bank, Sterling Bank, Gordon, BellaNaija, IMMERSE, FPL Media, SIFAX Group, TRACE, FrieslandCampina, Bolt, Happy Coffee, Smooth 98.1FM, KONFAM FM and Media Crush.
Adeola Azeez encouraged members of the public to access the findings by downloading the HerVest Financial Inclusion Report 2026 through the organisation’s online platform.
With the launch of the report and Dara AI, HerVest is expanding its work in women’s financial inclusion by combining research with digital tools aimed at helping women make informed financial decisions, strengthen their financial resilience and plan for long-term wealth creation.
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