The Federal Government of Nigeria is poised to unveil a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering economic opportunities for women and youths across the nation. This new learning fund and empowerment platform, set for launch in Abuja, represents a significant stride towards fostering inclusive growth and development.
Official Launch Details and Strategic Partnerships
Scheduled for Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the launch event will mark the formal introduction of the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) Nigeria platform. According to a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, this initiative is being convened by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with the Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations System, and other partners of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS).
The programme is a direct outcome of the ASIS 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement, underscoring its strategic importance in Nigeria's development agenda. By launching this platform, Nigeria will serve as the implementation hub for the African Union's WYFEI programme, with plans to extend it to other African countries following its successful rollout here.
Core Focus and Framework of the Empowerment Platform
The WYFEI Nigeria platform is designed as the country's flagship framework for advancing women and youth economic empowerment. It emphasises three key pillars: co-investment models, compact-based delivery, and performance accountability. This approach aims to create sustainable pathways for financial inclusion and economic participation, addressing longstanding gaps in opportunities for these demographic groups.
Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the critical role of collaboration in driving Nigeria's long-term prosperity. "Nigeria's future prosperity depends on how effectively we mobilise the private sector, development partners and public institutions around shared national priorities," he stated. Shettima added that this initiative represents a major step toward building delivery-focused partnerships that strengthen human capital, unlock opportunities for women and youths, and accelerate inclusive economic growth.
From Dialogue to Implementation: Stakeholder Perspectives
Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, emphasised that the ASIS 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement signifies a shift from mere dialogue to actionable implementation. She noted that the meeting will align policy, innovation, financing, and frameworks to enable scalable solutions capable of delivering measurable impact for millions of Nigerians. This effort is expected to position Nigeria as a leader in Africa's sustainable development agenda.
The launch of this empowerment fund follows other successful government initiatives, such as the Students' Loan Fund, which has alleviated educational burdens for approximately 800,000 Nigerian students in tertiary institutions. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund recently disclosed that 788,947 students have benefited from the scheme, with total loans disbursed amounting to N140.88 billion.
This new empowerment platform underscores the Federal Government's commitment to leveraging partnerships and innovative frameworks to drive economic inclusion. By focusing on women and youths, it aims to tap into Nigeria's demographic dividend, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all citizens.
