The Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), in partnership with Wetech and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, has launched the ₦8.5 million PitchHer Investment Readiness Programme, a new initiative aimed at empowering women-led startups with the skills, mentorship, and funding opportunities needed to scale their businesses. The programme reflects a growing commitment to closing the gender gap in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by supporting female entrepreneurs with practical tools for growth and investment.
Despite the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, women founders continue to face significant challenges in accessing capital, business networks, and investor relationships. Research consistently shows that female-led businesses receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital funding, limiting their ability to expand and compete. PitchHer seeks to address this imbalance by preparing women entrepreneurs to become investment-ready and connect with potential funders.
The programme combines capacity building with financial support, offering participants structured training on business strategy, financial planning, fundraising, pitching techniques, governance, and scaling operations. Through expert-led workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions, founders will gain insights into what investors look for when evaluating startup opportunities and how to position their businesses for long-term success.
A key highlight of the initiative is the ₦8.5 million funding pool, which will provide financial support to outstanding participants. Beyond the grant funding, startups will benefit from exposure to investors, industry experts, and ecosystem partners who can provide additional opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and future fundraising.
The partnership between ONDI, Wetech, and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub demonstrates the importance of collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By bringing together government institutions, innovation organisations, and international development partners, the programme creates a comprehensive support system that addresses both the financial and capacity-building needs of women entrepreneurs.
The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital economy agenda, which prioritises innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth. Supporting female founders not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to job creation, business innovation, and increased participation in the country’s digital economy. Studies have shown that greater diversity in entrepreneurship can lead to stronger business performance, increased innovation, and wider economic benefits.
For aspiring women entrepreneurs, the PitchHer Investment Readiness Programme offers more than funding—it provides access to knowledge, networks, and resources that can significantly improve business resilience and growth prospects. Participants will leave the programme better equipped to attract investment, build sustainable companies, and compete in both local and international markets.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs, initiatives such as PitchHer are playing a vital role in ensuring that women founders are not left behind. By investing in female-led innovation, ONDI, Wetech, and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub are helping to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem where talent, creativity, and ambition have greater opportunities to thrive, regardless of gender.
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