The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women-led businesses with access to finance, markets, technology and other resources needed to expand their operations.
The commitment was reiterated at the third edition of the W.O.M.A.N. 2026 programme, organised by Alitheia Capital in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment. The two-day event brought together more than 300 screened women-led enterprises in manufacturing, agribusiness, food processing and nutrition.
The second day focused on digital transformation, with Google Hustle Academy delivering an Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption bootcamp on the use of AI for business strategy, marketing, finance and daily operations. Participants were introduced to practical ways AI tools can improve productivity, decision-making and competitiveness.
Speaking at the programme, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, said technology had become essential for businesses seeking to scale. She noted that the state government was working to create an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs could access finance, markets and technology.
The Commissioner highlighted initiatives including the Lagos State Employment and Resource Programme (LASERP), Lagos State Microfinance and Economic Cooperative (LASMECO) and the Lagos State Industrial Policy 2025–2030 as part of efforts to support enterprise development.
Also speaking, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Alitheia Capital, Tokunbo Ishmael, said the increasing use of AI-generated content had made digital literacy important for women entrepreneurs involved in online commerce and investment.
Ishmael urged participants to adopt AI responsibly by reviewing and verifying information generated by artificial intelligence rather than accepting it without scrutiny. Google Hustle Academy training partners also demonstrated practical applications of AI for small businesses and methods for identifying AI-generated content and verifying digital assets.
The organisers said the AI bootcamp forms part of W.O.M.A.N. 2026’s year-round capacity-building programme. Participants will also receive 12 months of access to Alitheia Capital’s Nzinga Digital Learning Platform, offering further training in financial management, investment readiness, export compliance and green manufacturing.
