What happens in a space where nearly half the population is women, with them receiving only a fraction of business funding? For years, the technology and business sectors have quietly answered that question—that the systems were never designed with them in mind, not because they lacked talent or tenacity.

Across Nigeria, a new generation of female entrepreneurs are breaking through such long-standing barriers with talents and tailored support that meets them where they are.

At the forefront of this shift is HerStartup, an initiative proving that when women are equipped with tools, mentorship, and funding, they don’t just participate—they lead. HerStartup, a bold initiative collaboratively spearheaded by KSH Foundation, Tomorrow Foundation, and eha Impact Ventures, is changing the script with tangible support for women who are ready to build, innovate, and lead in the tech and business landscape.

The HerStartup program is a game-changer in the drive to empower women-led businesses. It offers a comprehensive support system for female founders, which features a 14-week intensive training facilitated by the Founder Institute, one of the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerators.

The initiative equips female entrepreneurs with practical business knowledge, helping them confidently refine their businesses and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

It prioritizes hands-on learning, ensuring participants can apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. A major highlight of the initiative is its financial support system.

As part of the program, participants pitched their businesses to a panel of investors, and three outstanding founders secured an average of \$5,000 in convertible financing—a boost that will help them scale their ventures into more viable enterprises.

In addition to funding, participants receive months of mentorship from industry experts, access to co-working spaces to foster collaboration, and one year of healthcare coverage, ensuring they remain in good health while focusing on growing their businesses.

Several groundbreaking startups from the program are tackling critical societal challenges across different sectors, creating solutions that improve lives while driving economic growth. PocketLawyers simplifies access to legal services, ensuring individuals and businesses can get affordable legal advice.

Ploutos Page revolutionizes how people access financial knowledge, equipping users with tools to make informed financial decisions. Craftoor creates opportunities for artisans to showcase their craftsmanship on a larger scale.

Dynalimb Technologies develops affordable prosthetic solutions, providing hope for amputees. Enterprise Suite enables smaller businesses with visibility through branding and designs that capture their unique features, while Eki Technologies leverages technology to solve everyday problems.

These startups are not just about business; they are about impact.
One of the most powerful impacts of female participation in tech entrepreneurship is financial empowerment.

When women run successful tech-enabled businesses, they gain financial independence, which helps close the gender wealth gap. In sectors such as fintech, agritech, health tech, and edtech, women-led enterprises are addressing pressing societal needs, improving the quality of life for communities, and reshaping traditional industries.

Countries that encourage women to participate in high-growth sectors such as technology benefit from a more inclusive and diversified economy. A workforce with strong female representation fosters creativity and innovation, as diverse perspectives often lead to more effective problem-solving.

Moreover, as more women enter the tech space, they serve as role models and mentors for the next generation, inspiring young girls—hereby creating a self-sustaining cycle of empowerment, ensuring that women continue to play a key role in shaping the future of technology and business.

The success of women in technology is not just a win for gender equality; it is a win for development. By addressing gender-based barriers, fostering inclusive policies, and supporting female-led businesses, countries can unlock a massive pool of untapped talent.

This, in turn, drives economic transformation, creates jobs, and strengthens industries that are critical to national progress.