WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL TO OFFER NIGERIAN WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS ACCESS TO NEW MARKETS

10 APRIL 2015 – ABUJA 

On 4-5 May 2015, some 200 women business owners and representatives from the public and private sectors will gather in Lagos, for the first WEConnect International Exhibition & Matchmaker (WIEM) in Nigeria. For two days, female entrepreneurs will learn about the benefits of being certified as a women’s business enterprise (WBE). At the same time, buyers will learn about the innovative solutions WBEs can offer and the competitive advantage they provide for their brands.

“WEConnect International has such a unique value proposition for women-owned businesses, because it is one of the only organizations committed to providing them with access to markets by facilitating connections with key procurement decision makers globally,” said Comfort Sakoma, Executive Director of WEConnect International in Nigeria. “This event brings together Nigeria’s most goal-oriented, fit for purpose, ready to compete women-owned businesses and Nigeria’s most progressive multinational corporations who understand the connection between input and output and know that setting up business to compete in the future requires that they are open to building a more diverse and inclusive supply chain.”

WIEM 2015 will be held at The Ruby Gardens, a certified WBE owned by Mrs. Patience Oyofo. The event is made possible through the generosity of WEConnect International members Accenture, ExxonMobil, and EY. Telecommunications Partner Etisalat will provide free WIFI for all participants as well as media support. The Nigerian Bottling Company will provide all refreshments including products by WEConnect International member the Coca-Cola Company. The official airline of WIEM Dana Air will provide free air travel for select participants from around Nigeria and provide discounted rates to all certified WBEs in Nigeria.

WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women’s business enterprises based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women, and then connects them with multinational corporate buyers. WEConnect International began operating in Nigeria in January 2014. The organization works with strategic partners, government agencies, corporate members, and outstanding women business owners to help the country’s women-owned businesses succeed in local and global value chains.

Contact:

In Nigeria: Comfort Sakoma
Executive Director of WEConnect International in Nigeria’s
9 291 5458csakoma@weconnectinternational.org

In the U.S.: Cate Urban
Communications Manager for WEConnect International
curban@weconnectinternational.org