EFInA convenes stakeholders, pushes action on women’s financial inclusion

Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA) has called for stronger collaboration and deliberate action to accelerate women’s economic empowerment as it convened key stakeholders at its International Women’s Month Convening 2026 in Abuja.

The event, themed “Gather, Gain, Grow”, brought together women’s associations, financial service providers, regulators, development partners, and ecosystem leaders to explore practical pathways for improving women’s access to and use of formal financial services.

Held in commemoration of International Women’s Day under the global theme “Give to Gain”, the convening created a platform for women’s groups to share lived experiences, highlight grassroots solutions, and spotlight persistent barriers to financial inclusion.

Speaking at the event, Foyinsolami Akinjayeju, EFInA’s chief executive officer, said the gathering was designed to move beyond conversations toward tangible outcomes.

“This convening goes beyond celebration. It is a call to commitment, stronger partnerships, and deliberate action. Inclusive growth cannot be achieved without intentional investment in women, particularly women entrepreneurs who drive economic activity across Nigeria,” she said.

Stakeholders noted that women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain a backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and livelihoods. However, access to formal financial services continues to lag, despite women accounting for a substantial share of the adult population.

In her goodwill message, Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, Director, Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), emphasised the role of policy and product design in closing this gap.

“Advancing women’s financial inclusion requires clear and enabling policy pathways. Financial service providers must develop products and services that are responsive, affordable, and relevant to women’s realities,” she said.

The convening featured panel discussions across the financial ecosystem, as well as a keynote delivered by Hadiza Maina, representing the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

A major highlight of the event was the exchange between grassroots organisations and institutional actors, which helped bridge perspectives on challenges and emerging solutions within communities.

Also speaking, Nurudeen Zauro, technical adviser to the president on financial inclusion, underscored the link between women’s empowerment and national development.

“Supporting women is equivalent to supporting national development. Women remain a priority segment under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, and ongoing efforts are focused on improving outcomes for them,” he said.

Similarly, Michael Ilesanmi described the convening as both timely and essential, noting the economic significance of women-led enterprises.

“Women-led enterprises, particularly those anchored in organised associations, represent a critical segment for achieving inclusive growth and strengthening financial system stability,” he said.

Providing further insight into EFInA’s approach, the organisation’s Gender Lead, Emezino Afiegbe, highlighted the importance of engaging women through trusted networks.

“Women’s groups and associations are platforms for trusted interactions and pathways for early and consistent engagement with formal financial services. Supply-side actors must focus on these collectives, understand them, and adopt women-centered design methodologies to build solutions around women’s lived realities,” she said.

She added that EFInA’s Gender Centre of Excellence will continue to support financial service providers in developing productive credit solutions for women entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers, while also working with regulators to sustain an enabling environment.

The convening concluded with stakeholders making firm commitments to translate discussions into action, signalling a shift from dialogue to measurable progress.