Technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate, opening doors for women entrepreneurs across Nigeria. From e-commerce platforms to mobile banking and digital marketing, technology is breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and transforming the economic landscape for women.

In a country where many women face financial exclusion, limited access to business resources, and societal constraints, technology serves as a powerful equalizer—allowing them to start, grow, and scale businesses from anywhere.

In this blog, we will explore how technology is empowering women entrepreneurs, the challenges they still face, and the digital solutions driving gender-inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.

Why Technology is a Game-Changer for Women Entrepreneurs

• 40% of Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are owned by women (SMEDAN).
• Women-led businesses contribute more than ₦19 trillion to Nigeria’s economy annually.
• Digital tools have helped over 60% of women-led businesses expand beyond their local markets (IFC).

Technology removes traditional obstacles and allows women to:

• Run businesses from home while balancing family responsibilities.
• Access funding and financial services without visiting banks.
• Reach global markets through online platforms.
• Learn new skills through e-learning and virtual mentorship programs.

How Technology is Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

1. E-Commerce and Online Marketplaces

The rise of e-commerce platforms has enabled Nigerian women to start businesses without needing physical storefronts.

Example: Women selling fashion items, beauty products, and handmade crafts can use platforms like Jumia, Konga, and Instagram Shops to reach a wider audience.

Success Story: In Lagos, a single mother launched an online fashion store on Instagram and WhatsApp, growing her business from a small side hustle to a full-time venture with international customers.

What Needs to Happen?

• More women should be trained in digital marketing to maximize online sales.
• E-commerce platforms should provide female-focused business support programs.

2. Mobile Banking and Fintech for Financial Inclusion

Access to finance is a major barrier for women entrepreneurs, but mobile banking and fintech apps are changing that. Women can now:

• Open bank accounts and process payments without visiting a bank.
• Secure loans and micro-financing through digital platforms.
• Send and receive money conveniently using USSD and mobile wallets.

Example: Platforms like Paystack, Flutterwave, and OPay have made it easier for women entrepreneurs to accept online payments from customers.

Success Story: In Kano, a female agro-business owner secured a loan through Aella Credit, allowing her to expand her farm and hire more workers.

What Needs to Happen?

• Financial institutions should provide women-friendly fintech solutions with low interest rates.
• More training programs should teach women how to leverage digital finance tools.

3. Social Media as a Business Growth Tool

• Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become powerful business tools for women entrepreneurs.

Example: A small skincare business can use Instagram reels and TikTok videos to attract customers and build brand awareness.

Success Story: In Abuja, a young female entrepreneur started a home-based catering business using only WhatsApp and Facebook to advertise. Within six months, she had over 500 customers and started offering nationwide delivery.

What Needs to Happen?

• More digital marketing workshops for women entrepreneurs.
• Increased support from social media platforms for women-led businesses.

4. E-Learning and Virtual Mentorship

Many women in Nigeria lack access to traditional business training programs, but online learning is closing that gap.

Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and SheLeads Africa offer courses on:

• Business management.
• Digital marketing.
• Financial literacy.
• Leadership skills.

Example: The Tony Elumelu Foundation provides online mentorship and funding for female entrepreneurs across Africa.

Success Story: A female entrepreneur in Port Harcourt used free online courses to learn branding and sales strategies, which helped her grow her business from a small kiosk to a full-fledged cosmetics company.

What Needs to Happen?

• More government-backed e-learning programs for women entrepreneurs.
• Local business incubators should provide free virtual mentorship programs.

5. Leveraging AI and Automation for Business Growth

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming businesses by automating tasks like:

• Customer service (chatbots and auto-replies)
• Inventory management
• Content creation for social media

Example: Small businesses use AI-powered tools like Canva for design, ChatGPT for content writing, and QuickBooks for accounting.

Success Story: A female entrepreneur in Enugu used AI chatbots on WhatsApp to handle customer inquiries, reducing her workload while increasing sales.

What Needs to Happen?

• More women should be trained in AI-driven business solutions.
• Tech companies should create affordable automation tools for SMEs.

Challenges Women Face in Using Technology for Business

Limited Digital Skills: Many women lack basic computer and internet skills.

Cost of Internet and Devices: Smartphones and data are still expensive for low-income entrepreneurs.

Cybersecurity Risks: Online fraud and scams make some women hesitant to embrace digital platforms.

Cultural Barriers: In some communities, women’s use of technology is discouraged.

How to Close the Digital Gender Gap for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

1. Digital Skills Training for Women

What Needs to Happen?

• Government and NGOs should offer free digital literacy programs for women.
• Schools should teach entrepreneurial technology skills from an early age.

Success Story: In Lagos, Tech4Girls Nigeria has trained over 10,000 women in coding, e-commerce, and digital marketing.

2. Affordable Internet and Devices

What Needs to Happen?

• The government should reduce data costs and provide subsidies for digital devices.
• More women should have access to free Wi-Fi hubs in business districts.

Success Story: In Kenya, the government partnered with Google to provide free internet in public spaces—Nigeria can do the same.

3. Cybersecurity Awareness for Women in Business

What Needs to Happen?

• Women should be trained on how to secure their online businesses.
• Financial institutions should offer fraud protection for digital transactions.

Success Story: The Cybersafe Foundation in Nigeria is educating women on digital safety to prevent scams and online threats.

Conclusion

Technology is the key to unlocking economic empowerment for women in Nigeria. Whether through e-commerce, fintech, social media, e-learning, or AI, digital tools are breaking down barriers and creating new pathways to financial success.

By closing the digital gender gap, improving digital education, and making tech more accessible, Nigeria can build a future where women-led businesses thrive, boosting the economy and driving sustainable growth.

How Can You Help?

• Encourage women to embrace digital tools for business.
• Support female entrepreneurs by buying from their online stores.
• Advocate for policies that improve women’s access to technology.