The Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), in partnership with MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), has announced plans to empower 25 million entrepreneurs nationwide through the upcoming National Entrepreneurship Summit and Exhibition (NESE) 2025, scheduled to hold from November 18–20, 2025, in Lagos.
Themed “Empowering Entrepreneurs, Transforming Communities and Driving National Development,” the summit is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by linking business owners, investors, policymakers, and development partners, while promoting innovation and financial inclusion—particularly among women and youth.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Princess Adesola Ogunleye, National President of COWAN, described the initiative as a major step toward job creation and inclusive growth. She said COWAN’s 43-year legacy of empowering women from the grassroots would serve as the foundation for reaching the new 25 million-entrepreneur target.
“This summit and exhibition are a celebration of Nigerian enterprise—especially the creativity and resilience of our women and youth,” Ogunleye said. “With MoMo PSB as our title sponsor, we are demonstrating that digital innovation and entrepreneurship are the twin pillars for building inclusive prosperity in Nigeria.”
Highlights of NESE 2025 include a National Exhibition featuring agricultural produce, renewable energy products, and digital innovations; Summit Sessions led by experts on finance and enterprise development; a MoMo Digital Inclusion Pavilion for SMEs; Investment Clinics and Trade Linkages; and Youth and Women Empowerment Panels.
Mrs. Dorcas James, COWAN’s Deputy National Coordinator and Head of Partnerships, said the summit would also feature a B2B dinner, innovation challenges, and awards to celebrate impactful entrepreneurs.
Representing MoMo PSB, Mr. Emmanuel Akhigbe, Manager, Merchant Channel, reaffirmed MoMo’s commitment to financial inclusion through digital platforms that empower even rural entrepreneurs. He revealed plans for cross-border payment services across 14 African countries to expand market access for Nigerian businesses.
The event will draw delegates from Africa, Europe, and Asia, including representatives of ECOWAS, the African Union, and leading business chambers. Strategic partners include Afreximbank, International Trade Centre, GIZ, CIPE, BIOFERT Africa, Queen Lilly Foundation, FINPA, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Ogunleye reiterated that the summit represents “the dawn of a new era where every rural woman entrepreneur is seen, heard, supported, and celebrated,” adding that with MoMo PSB and other partners, “self-sufficiency will become a national reality.”
