The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has launched its financial literacy and micro-enterprise support programme, tagged “Empower Her”, with a two-day training session for women in the informal sector at Ojodu LCDA, Lagos.
The initiative, which will move to Oyo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Kano, and the FCT between April 8 and 10, is designed to reach at least 1,500 women with practical lessons on financial planning, digital transactions and business management.
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Participants at the Lagos opening received training on budgeting, savings discipline, responsible borrowing, and the use of digital wallets and agent banking tools. A selection of beneficiaries will also receive micro-grants and equipment support to help stabilise or grow their ventures.
Commenting on the initiative, Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, noted that “Empower Her” programme is built on a straightforward ambition: to lower the barriers that limit women’s ability to participate meaningfully in the financial system.
“This programme is beyond charity; it is strategy,” he said. “When women understand how money works and have platforms that allow them to transact safely and confidently, the entire economy benefits. Our goal is to help them take that next step with confidence.”
Aligning with Ogunsanya, Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, described the project as a reflection of the company’s long-term belief that women at the grassroots are essential drivers of local economies.
“Women in the informal sector carry a significant share of Nigeria’s economic activity,” he said. “When they gain access to the right skills and simple financial tools, the results are immediate: stronger families, stronger communities and more resilient small businesses.”
The Lagos training was delivered in collaboration with Smartcash Payment Service Bank and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), whose officers provided guidance tailored to market women, food vendors, artisans and small-scale traders.
Speaking at the event, Dr Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN, highlighted the programme’s alignment with national efforts to support small businesses and reduce poverty.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a community,” he said. “This partnership enables us to reach women who are already economically active and equip them with the skills and knowledge required to scale their businesses.”
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