Despite the progress made, many women face the challenge of limited access to finance, savings, insurance, digital payments, and a lack of education on many financial services. As per World Bank, small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) led by women stand around 30% to 37% of all the emerging markets with financial needs between US$260 billion and US$320 billion a year.
In the light of these challenges, CDF Canada and SME.NG – Nigeria’s gender lens impact investment platform is pleased to announce its partnership to mutually support and advocate for financial security for women in Nigeria.
CDF Canada and SME.NG shares the mission to build sustainable communities to empower women. We aim to work on projects to accelerate financial support and access to women entrepreneurs and training towards financial security.
Thelma Ekiyor, Managing Director, SME.NG said, “As an African female-led impact investment organisation, we at SME.NG is always looking for partners that understand the peculiarities of supporting and investing in women in Africa. CDF Canada’s vast experience on the continent and beyond makes them an ideal partner. Together, we aim to support female entrepreneurs as they enhance access to education and financial services in local communities in Nigeria.”
Benoit Andre, Executive Director, CDF Canada, said, “CDF Canada is proud to partner, as this collaboration is relevant and timely. Women face limited access to finance, credits, and much more, and with the pandemic, the gap has further widened. With this partnership, we aim to bridge the gap with access and education on financial services.”
CDF Canada’s long and established record of growing community-owned co-operatives and SME.NG’s platform invests in Nigerian SMEs to realize measurable environmental, social and financial returns. We believe that this collaboration will advance and support the interests and activities of each organization to have a greater global impact.