SheExports Project: Lagos Government, MABA to Empower 10,000 Women Entrepreneurs with Export Skills and Funding Support
Photo Credit : MABA
Lagos Launches SheExports Project to Support Women in Export Business
Women entrepreneurs in Lagos have received a major opportunity to expand their businesses beyond Nigeria as the Made in Africa Brands Ambassador (MABA), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), has unveiled the SheExports Project.
The initiative aims to empower 10,000 women entrepreneurs between 2026 and 2031 by providing export training, market access, funding opportunities, mentorship, and technical support.
According to the organisers, the project is designed to increase women’s participation in international trade while helping them overcome common challenges such as limited market access, logistics difficulties, and lack of export knowledge.
What Is the SheExports Project?
The SheExports Project is a comprehensive export empowerment programme that will train women-owned businesses on how to successfully export products to international markets.
Participants will receive practical training in:
- Export procedures and documentation
- International trade regulations
- Supply chain management
- Freight forwarding and logistics
- Trade finance and funding access
- Financial literacy
- Investment readiness
- Customs regulations
- Rules of Origin under AfCFTA
- Digital marketing using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Global product standards and compliance
The six-week training programme is scheduled to run from May 27 to June 27, 2026, with a major conference expected on June 30, 2026.
Why the Programme Matters
Speaking on the initiative, MABA Chief Executive Officer, Flora Mbeledeogu, explained that many women-owned businesses struggle to access regional and international markets due to logistics challenges and limited export knowledge.
“The SheExports initiative is meant to provide solutions by making exports more efficient, more feasible and more straightforward for women entrepreneurs.”
The programme will connect participants with export agencies, financial institutions, logistics providers, and international trade experts who can help them successfully scale their businesses across borders.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Beneficiary of the SheExports Project
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
The programme is designed primarily for:
- Women entrepreneurs
- Women-owned SMEs
- Manufacturers
- Agribusiness owners
- Producers of exportable products
- Business owners interested in international trade
Step 2: Prepare Your Business Information
Interested applicants should have:
- Business details
- Product information
- Valid identification
- Contact information
- Basic business registration documents (where applicable)
Step 3: Monitor Official Registration Channels
Applications are expected to be announced through the official channels of MABA, the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, and LSETF.
Useful resources:
Step 4: Complete the Training Programme
Selected participants will undergo intensive training covering export operations, trade finance, logistics, AI-powered marketing, and international market requirements.
Step 5: Attend the SheExports Conference
Participants will have the opportunity to network with:
- Export promotion agencies
- Commercial banks
- Development finance institutions
- International trade experts
- Logistics companies
- Investors and funding partners
Step 6: Access Funding and Export Support
After training, beneficiaries may gain access to:
- Export financing opportunities
- Market linkage programmes
- Investment support
- Mentorship
- Compliance and certification guidance
- Logistics and shipment assistance
Key Organisations Supporting the Programme
Several major organisations have partnered with the initiative, including:
- Nigerian Export Promotion Council
- Nigeria Customs Service
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
- Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service
- National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
- Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture
The SheExports Project presents a valuable opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Lagos who want to grow beyond local markets and tap into regional and international trade. Through training, mentorship, funding access, and market connections, the initiative is expected to help thousands of women-owned businesses become export-ready and competitive on the global stage.
Women interested in expanding their businesses across borders should closely monitor application announcements and take advantage of this opportunity when registration opens.
