FSDH Bank disburses N3bn to support women-led businesses

FSDH Merchant Bank has revealed that it has provided more than N3 billion in loans to women-led enterprises over the last five years, reaffirming its commitment to advancing gender-inclusive finance and breaking economic barriers limiting women in business.

The disclosure was made at the 5th edition of the Women in Business Initiative (WIBI) Summit held in Lagos, which convened hundreds of female entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to celebrate women driving innovation and growth across Nigeria’s economy.

With the theme “Empowered – Celebrating Women in Motion,” this year’s summit underscored both the progress made and the challenges still confronting women in business, while highlighting FSDH’s increasing role in supporting female-led ventures.

Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, Bukola Smith, stated that the WIBI platform is built on the belief that equipping women with adequate knowledge, structures, and financial support has the power to transform economies.

Similarly, the Group Head of Brand Transformation and Digital Marketing at the Bank of Industry (BOI), Jide Sipe, noted that many women-owned enterprises still operate individually, limiting expansion and access to broader opportunities. He urged women to collaborate more to accelerate growth.

Veteran actress Joke Silva delivered the keynote address and emphasised resilience, reinvention, and emotional intelligence as key skills for women navigating the evolving business landscape. She also called for stronger investment in training and skills development to prepare young creatives for global competition.

During a panel session, actress and CEO of Desperanza Media, Blessing Obasi-Nze, shared her journey to prominence and encouraged emerging talents to remain original, authentic, and consistent. The session was moderated by media host Olive Emodi, who steered conversations around leadership, brand-building, and access to finance.

FSDH Executive Director, Stella-Marie Omogbai, added that the bank’s Women in Business Desk has partnered with BOI, IFC, AGF, and Weav Capital to deliver blended finance solutions and targeted interventions for women-led enterprises nationwide.