UNDP and Nigeria Push for Women's Leadership Investment

During a meeting in Abuja, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Nigeria's Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, called for sustained investment in women's leadership. The event, themed "Women Lead: Africa's Next Chapter," emphasized that Africa's development trajectory depends on unlocking the full potential of women in leadership roles.

Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, co-hosting the event, stressed that inclusive leadership is essential for stronger governance and sustainable development across the continent. She noted that women are a critical yet underutilized asset in development, and highlighted Nigeria's national discourse on women's political participation.

The meeting revealed that UNDP has partnered with the African Union and the African Women Leader Network to launch initiatives that received 1,300 applications from 41 African countries. Additionally, Nigeria's investment in women's empowerment has exceeded $540 million, with ongoing discussions to scale funding beyond $2 billion, aiming to empower 10 million women through collective action.