The United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) has successfully facilitated a $10 million investment commitment from Trade Lenda to Seed Projects, a female-led MSME in Nigeria.

This is coming under the HERAfCFTA initiative which has garnered the interest of over 30 investors worldwide and built a portfolio of over 50 women-led enterprises valued at over $50 million.

The initiative of UNDP is aimed to help women entrepreneurs in Nigeria participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The trade agreements secured include $3.9 million in confirmed purchase orders (POs) and buyer specifications with 10 global off-takers.

The initiative will facilitate access to sustainable markets for women- and youth-led agribusinesses, enabling access to foreign market and boosting intra-Africa trade.

The programme offers support in areas such as capacity building, market access, trade facilitation, business networking, investment and digitalisation.

The AfCFTA is a trade agreement that aims to boost intra-African trade and promote economic development, presenting opportunities for women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, access new markets, and grow their businesses.

However, women entrepreneurs in Africa face challenges such as gender-based violence, limited market access, and lack of access to business tools.

Speaking at the #HERAfCFTA forum with the theme: Empowering Women-led Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises for continental trade opportunities, UNDP National Programme Specialist, Ms. Clare Henshaw, said the forum is in collaboration with Women Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

She said: “As we speak, not only have they successfully facilitated $10 million investment commitment from Trade Lenda to seed Projects, we’ve also been able to pile up a number of businesses and partners that are coming your way if only you are ready.”

Also speaking, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, represented by Mr Tony Muhuuza, Senior Economic Advisor, UNDP said: “Our #HERAfCFTA initiative focuses on equipping women with tools they need to succeed in the continental trade ecosystem.