Over 50 women entrepreneurs in Anambra State have benefitted from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) capacity building on digitalization to improve their digital readiness on e-commerce in the country.
Olusegun Awolowo, executive director of NEPC, in a keynote address at the event in Awka on Monday said the capacity building programme was a perfect opportunity for women entrepreneurs to discover new ways to grow their businesses and contribute to the economic and social development of the nation.
Awolowo, represented by deputy director, export development and incentives, Esther Ikporah, said that digital transformation in Nigeria has risen steadily over the years.
“With the rising popularity of virtual businesses, more consumers are ready to trade online and a new generation of digital entrepreneurs have emerged to meet their demand,” he said.
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According to him, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced more businesses to start applying innovative technology to their operations to enable them to work remotely, reduce costs, save time, improve efficiency and enhance productivity.
Awolowo said that exporters also use digital networks to find buyers and sellers across the globe without the hindrance of international boundaries and lockdowns.
He said that digitalization had even more benefits for women entrepreneurs because it allows them to bypass some of the traditional barriers to trade and makes it easier for them to balance their work and family lives.
Awolowo, however, said that some women still find it difficult to switch to digital business due to lack of skills and resources.
“In recognition of these challenges, the women in the export division of the establishment organized this training to ensure that women entrepreneurs, associations and cooperatives are taught to how to improve their digital readiness and use new innovations to upgrade their export activities,” he said.
Arnold Jackson, Enugu Regional Coordinator, commended Anambra women for the large turnout and interest shown to boost their businesses.
Jane Ohiri, state head, Awka office of NEPC, said the training was for women who are into business whether they registered with the establishment or not.
