Listen, if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Nigerian women are certified baddies when it comes to business. They are the women lighting up boardrooms, markets, and tech hubs. On March 28, 2025, MTN Enterprise Business decided to put some respect on their names by hosting a power-packed event in celebration of International Women’s Day.
With the theme “Scaling with Impact: Strategies for Building Resilient Businesses,” this wasn’t just another talk-shop. No, it was an electrifying gathering of bosses, innovators, and trailblazers ready to drop gems on how to secure the bag, pivot like pros, and build businesses that slap.
Women Doing the Most
From the jump, the energy in the room was giving main character levels. These women weren’t just waiting for opportunities; they were out here creating them. The event was a mix of networking, fire conversations, and a whole lot of empowerment.
Key Takeaways from Our Odogwu ‘Paranrans’
1. Business Resilience is the Name of the Game
Running a business in Naija? You already know it’s not beans. But the women in the room had one message: If life gives you lemons, you squeeze till you get your lemonade juice. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, CEO, DO.II Designs shared how she turned setbacks into comebacks, leveraged partnerships, and built businesses that don’t crumble under pressure, “Resilience is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving despite challenges. As a businesswomen, we must see every setback as a setup for a bigger comeback. We must learn to adapt, pivot, innovate, and embrace the unknown because that’s where true growth happens.” Jane Egerton-Idehen, MD/CEO of NIGCOMSAT, further buttressed the power of resilience, and spoke on being fearless as entrepreneurs, “Being fearless in business doesn’t mean the absence of fear, it means taking action despite it. The most successful entrepreneurs are those who dare to fail, learn, and keep moving forward.
2. Digital Transformation is the Cheat Code
You see this internet thing? It’s not just for soft life and aesthetics, it’s a game-changer for scaling businesses. With MTN Enterprise Business solutions, these women are automating, streamlining, and cashing out with tech. Whether it’s e-commerce, digital marketing, or AI tools, the consensus was clear: Adapt or get left behind. Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, explained that “Technology is no longer optional; it’s the backbone of any successful business. If you’re not leveraging digital tools to scale, you’re leaving money on the table. The world is online, and so should your business be.”
3. Money Moves Only
Funding is the holy grail of business growth, and our women were not playing when it came to securing the bag.
Experts shared insights on smart financial management, how to attract investors, and the real tea on grants, loans, and alternative funding. Because let’s be honest, scaling a business with vibes alone? Not sustainable.
Bolanle Tyson, Head, SME Products, Sterling Bank during the panel discussion stated, “Financial literacy is just as important as the capital itself. Understanding your numbers, cash flow, and access to funding is not a privilege, it’s a necessity. Women entrepreneurs must be bold in seeking financial opportunities, whether through grants, loans, or partnerships. The money is out there; you just need to position yourself for it.”
4. Community is Queen
Being a boss doesn’t mean doing it alone. The event was filled with women linking up, exchanging contacts, and plotting big moves together. If there’s one thing to take away, it’s that collaborations will take you places that hustle alone won’t. Adejoju Ajagunna, Head, Customer Experience & Operations, Jobberman expressed, “The idea that success is a solo journey is a myth. Your network is your net worth. Collaborate, learn from others, and create spaces where women uplift and support one another. Community is the secret sauce to long-term success. Together, we go further.”
5. Fearless Entrepreneurship is the Winning Mindset
If there’s one thing every woman in business must master, it’s boldness. Fear will always be present, but it should never dictate your actions. Jane Egerton-Idehen, MD/CEO of NIGCOMSAT, put it best; “Fear is the biggest roadblock to success. As female entrepreneurs, we must learn to walk through it, not around it. Every bold decision you make today shapes the empire you build tomorrow.”
What’s Next for These Powerhouses?
MTN Enterprise Business isn’t just giving motivational speeches and dipping. They’re backing it up with real solutions that help women-led businesses grow, expand, and dominate. Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria stated, “At MTN, we believe in empowering women to build businesses that last. It’s not just about surviving in the marketplace, it’s about thriving, leading, and making an impact. When women win, economies grow.”
With tools, funding opportunities, and a strong support system, they’re making sure every woman has what she needs to be her own sufficient self.
As we wrap up, let’s not forget: Being a woman in business is already an extreme sport, but with the right mindset, resources, and support, every woman can build a legacy.
So, here’s to women making boss moves; today, tomorrow, and forever!