The United States President Advisory Council has strengthened its partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to empower Nigerian women entrepreneurs as a support for economic growth and stability.
The partnership also strengthens the ties between the United States and Africa as well as the U.S.-Nigeria relations potential for economic growth.This was disclosed on Monday when the United States Diplomatic Mission visited the TEF in Lagos with a focus on unlocking the potential of young women entrepreneurs.
The United States Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Affairs, Arun Venkataraman, highlighted the critical role women entrepreneurs must play in Africa’s growth and development, noting that Africa’s potential will remain unrealised unless women are integral to its future. Venkataraman stated that the U.S.-Africa relation recognises women entrepreneurs as important to nation-building. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Nigerian women entrepreneurs and the broader vision of shared prosperity.
Acknowledging the efforts of TEF, Venkataraman expressed gratitude for their partnership and support of women entrepreneurs across the continent.
“The United States looks forward to working with Nigerian women entrepreneurs and having partners like the Tony Elumelu Foundation will make this happen because Africa’s future is America’s future, and we are in it together,” he stated.
The Consul General of the United States to Nigeria, Will Stevens, highlighted the importance of fostering strong bilateral relationships and leveraging Africa’s growing influence on the global stage.
Stevens pointed out the significance of collaborative efforts to ensure Africa’s role in shaping global policies, particularly with Nigeria playing a crucial role.
He underlined the strategic importance of U.S.-Nigeria relations and the potential for economic growth through collaborative efforts and mutual support.
Highlighting the contributions of the Nigerian-American diaspora, Stevens said they are the single most successful diaspora group in the United States, both in income levels and education levels.
He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Nigerian SMEs and their access to international markets.
“We are deeply convinced that the jobs in Nigeria are with SMEs and figuring out how to access markets in the United States, Europe, or other African markets. That is where growth will come and we want to help,” he said.
A member of the U.S. President Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, Ham Serunjogi, underscored a broader vision for Africa’s future, where the entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured, and access to capital and opportunities are expanded, driving sustainable growth and development across the continent.
Serunjogi, who is also the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chipper Cash, emphasised the importance of supporting African entrepreneurs, underscoring the inherent business acumen and innovation found across the continent.
He, however, highlighted significant challenges African entrepreneurs face, which include, access to opportunities, access to capital and difficulties in attracting global investors.
