PAN-ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY GRADUATES 11 WOMEN TECH FOUNDERS

Eleven women entrepreneurs have graduated from the seventh cohort of the Women in Tech Incubator and Accelerator Programme organised by Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre.

The programme was delivered in partnership with the Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital to support women-owned technology and technology-enabled businesses.

Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has supported 60 women entrepreneurs across sectors including education, healthcare, fashion, wellness and supply chain management.

Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, Nneka Okekearu, said the latest cohort received specialised advisory services, mentoring, coaching and capacity-building support.

The programme also focused on strengthening the governance and financial structures of participating businesses, including helping founders establish boards and improve their readiness for funding.

Participants also had access to seed grants and single-digit loan opportunities through the programme’s network.

The initiative targets businesses that are at least 51 per cent women-owned, technology-enabled and beyond the idea stage.

One of the graduates, Fara Popoola, said the programme helped her refine her business model and identify her target market.

Standard Chartered Nigeria said it remained committed to expanding economic opportunities for women through entrepreneurship and business support.

The organisers also called for stronger collaboration among government, businesses and development organisations to increase support for women-led technology ventures.