Oye: Empowering Women-led Enterprises Key to Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential

Dele Kelvin Oye, the immediate past Chairman of the Organised Private Sector Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, emphasized the importance of empowering women-led enterprises in unlocking Africa's economic potential within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking at a forum hosted by Zenforte and the United Nations Development Programme in Abuja, Oye highlighted the vast untapped potential of businesses in Africa, with approximately 40% of enterprises on the continent remaining unexplored.

He underscored the role of AfCFTA in breaking down trade barriers, promoting economic integration, and empowering businesses to access new markets, enhance innovation, and contribute to economic growth. Oye also pointed out the challenges faced by women-led enterprises, such as limited access to finance, market barriers, and the need for skills development and capacity building.

Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that AfCFTA could lead to job creation, poverty allev.