Cherie Blair CBE KC, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim FSI, has formally launched a landmark partnership between the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Foundation to transform the economic trajectory of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
The ceremony brought together senior delegates from the Ministry and leadership from the
Foundation, marking the start of a results-driven collaboration focused on scaling access to
training, finance, and market opportunities for women-led businesses across the country.
“I have enormous appreciation for the Ministry’s vision of and commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, one that I share
Cherie Blair CBE KC, Founder of the Cherie
Blair Foundation for Women.
“We know well how important women and their businesses are to
Nigeria, and so we must address the challenges they face in order that they can grow and sustain their businesses, enjoy economic independence, and be represented fully as leaders.
According to the Minister, the partnership aligns with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions – 774, a flagship programme developed under the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Spark News Naija reports that the initiative, led by Honourable
Minister aims to transform the lives of women, children, families, and vulnerable populations across Nigeria’s 774 LGAs.
“This partnership reflects our shared belief that empowering women economically is not optional. it is essential,” said H.E. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, Honourable Minister of Women Affairs.
“Through this collaboration, we are scaling real tools, real access, and real opportunity. We’re not just telling stories of change, we are building systems of change that will uplift millions of
Nigerian women and strengthen the future of our economy.
“This partnership, according to the ministry is the outcome of months of alignment, trust-building, and a shared mission to deliver measurable impact.
What we’ve built is a framework that will unlock long-term, transformative value for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a highly important country for the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, where we are proud to have supported nearly 150,000 incredible women to build businesses.
The founder of the Blair Foundation appreciated the Minister for adopting this tried-and-tested recipe to successfully support women’s entrepreneurship development: specialist training, digital technology to reach and engage women, strong localisation, and committed, long-term collaboration.” – Dhivya
O’Connor, CEO, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
“I am grateful to the Honourable Minister for her partnership and look forward to working together to advance women’s entrepreneurship.”