On June 27, 2024, during the MSME programme hosted by AfriWomen, Chief Mrs. Oso, the CEO, made a bold commitment to the participating entrepreneurs. She promised to do everything in her power to help those interested in enhancing their local patronage take concrete steps toward formalizing their businesses. Staying true to her word, on December 19, 2024, over forty determined women in the first phase witnessed the realization of that promise as they successfully obtained their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documentation with the unwavering support of AfriWomen.
The journey began with the MSME programme, which had a clear objective: to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources, knowledge, and tools necessary to thrive and accelerate their businesses.
The event was filled with insightful sessions led by industry experts, representatives from regulatory bodies, and experienced entrepreneurs who shared practical strategies for growth. Among the many key takeaways was the importance of formal business registration, which not only adds credibility but also opens doors to opportunities such as government grants and loans. This reflects Chief Mrs. Oso’s consistent message: “Bold actions, like formal business legalization, are the foundation of bold businesses, transforming informal, backyard ventures into credible, front-facing enterprises ready to thrive.”
For many women at the event, the idea of formalizing their businesses seemed daunting due to the perceived complexities and costs involved in the CAC registration process. However, Chief Mrs. Oso and the AfriWomen team stepped in to bridge the gap. AfriWomen facilitated follow-up workshops, offering guidance on business registration and providing step-by-step assistance to simplify the process.
The efforts culminated on December 19, 2024, when over forty women, who had been part of the programme, proudly received their CAC documentation. These women, representing diverse sectors such as food processing, fashion, and artisanal crafts, expressed their gratitude for the support they received from AfriWomen. Among these women was Mrs. Ambali, who faced a unique hurdle. Despite obtaining her CAC which came with its Tax Identification Number (TIN) two years ago, she had not activated it due to a lack of guidance and awareness of its importance. Recognizing the significance of resolving this issue, AfriWomen extended their assistance beyond business registration. Mrs. Ambali received personalized support from the team, who walked her through the process of activating her TIN and ensuring her business became fully compliant with tax regulations.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Adebayo, shared her excitement: “Getting my business registered has always been a dream, but I didn’t know where to start. AfriWomen gave me the direction and support I needed to make it happen. Now I feel more confident about expanding my business and reaching new customers.”
This milestone reaffirms AfriWomen’s dedication to economic and social development. Chief Mrs. Oso emphasized that this is just the beginning, stating, “We are committed to continuing our work with women entrepreneurs to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can create lasting change.”
With the success of these women, AfriWomen continues to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for empowerment in the entrepreneurial landscape.