Abstract

Author: Onum Friday Okoh, Israel Grace

Doi: 10.26480/bosoc.01.2025.31.39

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in fostering inclusive economic growth in Nigeria, yet they continue to face significant financial and institutional barriers that limit their full potential. This paper explores the importance of financing women-led enterprises as a strategic approach to achieving equitable economic development. Access to finance remains a major constraint for Nigerian women, particularly those operating in the informal sector or rural areas, due to systemic challenges such as gender bias, lack of collateral, and limited financial literacy. By addressing these constraints through targeted financial instruments such as microfinance, government grants, venture capital, and digital financial services women can become active participants in transforming the national economy. The paper also discusses the role of public-private partnerships, inclusive banking policies, and financial technology in improving accessibility to credit and entrepreneurial support for women. Empowering women with the right financial tools not only reduces poverty and unemployment but also promotes innovation, social inclusion, and community development. Furthermore, investing in women entrepreneurs leads to more resilient and sustainable economies, as women tend to reinvest profits in education, health, and family well-being. This study highlights the need for a gender-responsive financial ecosystem to drive Nigeria’s inclusive growth agenda and maximize the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs.