Experts Launch ‘Her Startup’ for Female Tech Entrepreneurs
Experts in the technology and business ecosystem have collectively launched ‘Her Startup’, an initiative to help female tech startups in Nigeria and other parts of Africa thrive in order to contribute to solving critical problems and economic growth.
The initiative, which was officially launched on Wednesday, will provide training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to startups headed by females between the ages of 18 and 35 years.
Hajiya Iklima Musa Salihu, Special Adviser to the Director General of National Information Development Agency (NITDA) on Strategy and Innovation who was a guest speaker on “The Essentiality of Access to Funding for Young Female Entrepreneurs for Sustainability and Scalability” said funding female initiative especially in tech industry is not just about gender equality but imperative to solve overbearing global economic challenges.
Her words, “Funding of female entrepreneurs is not peculiar to Nigeria, it is global pandemic which is fueled mostly by socio-cultural limitations and lack of female mentorship. In 2022 a study by Markenzy shows that less than 1% of women assume leadership position in any business setting.
“Funding female entrepreneurs is then not just about gender equality or moral imperative, it is a necessity for economic development in all facets of our society through job creation, innovation and competitiveness.”
Founder of the initiative Khalil Halilu Founder, KSH Foundation, Maggie Gu – President, Tomorrow Foundation and Evelyn Castle – Co-founder, eha Impact Ventures highlight that “‘Her Startup’ is not just an initiative but a hub to turn females’ voice into to reality” and its unique feature is the adoption of “Convertible Revenue Loan, a flexible financing tool especially among startups that is just coming into the market”. On her part, the keynote speaker, Charlotte Essiet, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Elint Systems, said, “Her Startup will provides opportunities for girls especially in the tech in to be at forefront technological advancement while also providing a platform where they will not only survive but thrive”.
