The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) joined forces with Microsoft Nigeria to empower women entrepreneurs in Abuja with cutting-edge digital skills. Through a comprehensive training program, these women were equipped with the knowledge and tools to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies to enhance their businesses’ growth.

Despite facing unique challenges and barriers to entry in the business world, women entrepreneurs have continually demonstrated resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to succeed.

Recognizing this potential, SMEDAN and Microsoft Nigeria designed a tailor-made curriculum that catered specifically to the needs and aspirations of women entrepreneurs. The training program encompassed a wide array of topics, ranging from the basics of Artificial Intelligence to practical applications in business management, marketing, and customer engagement.

One of the highlights of the program was the emphasis on empowering women to become champions of digital transformation within their communities. By fostering a supportive network and encouraging knowledge-sharing, participants were not only equipped with essential skills but also empowered to become catalysts for change within their respective industries.

In the words of one of the participants, “It is a mind blowing opportunity to be exposed to cyber security and how to secure my digital assets and I am happy I am able to access this information free of charge. I am grateful to SMEDAN and Microsoft Nigeria for this empowering opportunity.”

The collaborative effort between SMEDAN and Microsoft Nigeria exemplifies the potential for public-private partnerships to drive meaningful socio-economic impact. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both organisations, this initiative has succeeded in bridging the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for women entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital age.