Studies by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that 40% of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria are owned by women. Women continue to strive for favourable conditions to thrive in their businesses but have continued to face challenges in growing their businesses due to lack of awareness of brand visibility, access to funds for expansion and lack of opportunities to upgrade their skills. The Women High Achievers Trybe had its maiden Conference on Monday 6 November 2023 with theme: Elevating Women Entrepreneurs: Strategies For Success held gathered experts across areas of business to share experiences and revealed strategies for business success to help support women entrepreneurs through the unique challenges they face.

Ibukun Awosika, co-founder of Women in Business, Management and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and former chairman of First Bank Nigeria advised women entrepreneurs to continue to look out for ways to reinvent their businesses to remain relevant as the world evolves. Awosika encouraged women to invest in human resources as this determines a large percentage of the success of any business. Atinuke Babatunde of Brandfusions spoke on the need for proper positioning to attract the right audience for a business and to pay more attention to the outlook of their businesses. Toun Okewale Sonaiya CEO Women Radio 91.7 urged women entrepreneurs to carve a niche for their businesses and master a 10 second pitch to promote their businesses. Bukola Majekodunmi an experiential marketing expert urged women to intentionally provide value for customer retention. Folake Kehinde aka “Folake Aya Akanni” charged women entrepreneurs to utilise social media platforms to promote and market their brands for maximum exposure as it allows them to reach a larger audience. Jennifer Awirigwe a financial instructor advised women to get accountable partners to checkmate each other financially. Margaret Moore President of the Professional Insurance Ladies Association spoke on the need for insurance coverage to cover losses as the business grows. Ivie Temitayo-Ibitoye advised to cultivate healthy workplace practices and employ staff who understand the vision for maximum goal achievement. Adeola Kingsley-James spoke on the need to conceptualise new ideas and visions to stay on trend. Diji Shujahi CEO Pinnaclemena Media spoke on how networking for collaborations and partnerships benefits businesses. Eno Sam a writing coach spoke on using storytelling, to sell one’s brand by documenting testimonials from old customers to attract new customers and strengthen brand credibility.

Kiki Okewale convener of the conference and founder Whatrybe noted the need for a system for women entrepreneurs to support, promote and partner with each other to help fill the area they lack strength in. Okewale who said she’s a product of women supporting women reiterated the “need for women to leverage the strength of sisterhood and focus on the positives for personal growth and development” According to her, the Whatrybe community is open to every woman of purpose. The conference was compèred by Nigeria’s leading host Tomike Adeoye and the panel sessions were moderated by Amazing Adeboyin and Nana Milagosa Atafiri.