The Minister of Trade, Oduwole, said that the future of Africa relies on the empowered woman, but systemic barriers must fall

Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, at a platform session that moved on Thursday, delivering a brilliant message: the future of Africa will be formed by women but only if structural obstacles that limit their potential are dismantled.

In an inspirational and urgent speech, Oduwole highlighted the important roles that have been played by women in encouraging the informal economy, entrepreneurship, and African leadership in various sectors, but are still compartmentalized from the main opportunity due to continuous inequality.

“True power is the ability to shape results, to create values, to influence culture, and leave a better place than you find and throughout Africa, women do that,” he said.

But, he added, “Future business is a woman. African future will be driven by women. But we must expose obstacles that still prevent them.”

From the open market to the company’s board space, Oduwole painted a clear picture of African women who pushed into a space dominated by traditional men, not as guests, but as architects of change.

“We are no longer waiting to be invited. We are building a table. But progress has not been optimized,” he said.

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The minister underlined the difference between the contribution of women and the system that supports them. Although it forms nearly 60% of the African entrepreneur population, women continue to face major obstacles that access finances, formal markets, and institutional support.

“This must change,” he said. “When the policy is not gender blind but gender-intional, real change occurs. Leadership should not be something that must be proven by women to them-that must be something that we collectively develop, guide, and support at every level.”

Oduwole quoted research that shows that women in leadership role are more likely to fight for social investment, equity, and inclusive governance – the main pillar for sustainable national development.

“Countries with more inclusive policies grow faster and faster,” he explained. “Leadership is not a gender gift. But the absence of women in leadership is not a loss not only for women, but for the community.”

Calling for practical reforms and inclusive policy making, it urges the government and institutions to rearrange the economy that actively supports women – from micro, small and medium companies (MSM) to the trade system and innovation ecosystem.

“Do we design support for MSMEs or reform trade policies, we must ask: where women? This is not just advocacy. This is an intelligent economy.”

The address ended in a strong tone of Pan-African collaboration, because he stressed the importance of sharing reciprocal knowledge and growth.

“What can an canoe investor be learned from the incubator in Lusaka? What can Uganda’s policy reformers be taught by a Senegal businessman?” He asked. “Time for silent success ends. Africa must grow together.”

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