Efforts to advance women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria are gaining momentum, as financial institutions and fintech platforms scale up initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap in access to finance and business opportunities.

In line with this push, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has renewed its partnership with Herconomy as a sponsor of the Herconomy Conference 2026, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening financial inclusion and expanding economic opportunities for women.

As part of the collaboration, the insurer will headline the conference’s Enterprise Challenge, a flagship initiative designed to provide funding, visibility and growth support for women-led businesses.

The Herconomy Conference, an annual gathering convened by the fintech platform, has evolved into a major forum for promoting women’s financial independence and career advancement. With a community of over 15,000 members, the platform is expected to host more than 1,000 female professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders at this year’s edition, with discussions focused on wealth creation, career growth and long-term economic impact.

AXA Mansard said the renewed partnership aligns with its broader strategy to enhance women’s financial resilience by improving access to essential tools, knowledge and networks needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
The collaboration builds on outcomes from the 2025 edition, where several women entrepreneurs secured funding through a competitive pitch process. Founder of Pemnia Wellness, Opeyemi Adebisi, emerged winner with a ₦1.5 million prize, while Bilqis Idaro received ₦1 million as first runner-up. Chimdiebube Orji was awarded ₦500,000 as second runner-up.

Speaking on the initiative, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Adebola Surakat, said empowering women financially remains critical to driving inclusive and sustainable economic development.

She noted that expanding access to financial knowledge and resources for women could unlock broader economic potential, adding that the partnership supports ongoing conversations around wealth creation, financial protection and long-term security.

Surakat also highlighted the company’s “AXA She Is In Charge” initiative, which provides women with access to empowerment programmes, expert-led sessions and professional networks to support personal and financial growth.
AXA Mansard added that through its sponsorship of the Enterprise Challenge and participation in the conference, it will continue to champion inclusive financial solutions that enable women to build resilient businesses and secure their financial futures.