Chevening Alumni Association Concludes SWEEAP Project

The Chevening Alumni Association completed the close-out of the SWEEAP project, which focused on scaling women's economic empowerment through public procurement reforms in Nigeria. The project, supported by the British High Commission, held a high-level reception in Abuja, convening stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

A total of 691 women entrepreneurs were trained in procurement processes, compliance requirements, and competitive bidding strategies, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the public contract system. Notably, three women entrepreneurs secured public procurement contracts directly attributed to the training received.

During the event, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, emphasized the importance of sustainable development goals and the impact of the Chevening alumni network. Dr.

Adebowale Adedokun, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, reaffirmed the bureau's commitment to strengthening women-owned businesses within Nigeria's procurement ecosystem. The project has already shown significant results, with 500 women pursuing procurement opportunities in Kano River State.