Africa CEO Club Hosts High-Level Women’s Leadership Dialogue in Abuja

The Africa CEO Club has hosted a High-Level Women’s Leadership Dialogue themed “Africa: Her Voice, Her Power” at the Afreximbank African Trade Centre Headquarters, Abuja.

The prestigious gathering brought together First Ladies, Ministers, Governors, CEOs, Diplomats, Policy Makers, and private sector leaders from across Africa to celebrate and amplify the voices of women transforming leadership, business, and governance across the continent.

Organized in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the European Cultural Centre, and other development partners, the dialogue highlighted how women are driving transformation in enterprise, diplomacy, and innovation — while promoting collaboration between men and women in advancing Africa’s development agenda.

Dr. Fatoumatta Gaye: “When Women Rise, Economies Rise”

In her keynote address, Dr. Fatoumatta Gaye, President of the Africa CEO Club, described the event as “a defining moment for Africa’s women in leadership.”

“Today, the heart of Africa is here in this room. Her voice is rising and her power is undeniable. When women rise, economies rise. When women meet, nations prosper. And when women speak, the world listens,”

Dr. Fatoumatta Gaye, President, Africa CEO Club.

She emphasized that the empowerment of women is not merely an inclusion agenda but an economic necessity and continental strategy for a sustainable future.

Dr. Gaye appreciated the event’s headline sponsor, All Prime Technology, as well as institutional partners including the US-Africa Trade Council, European Union, European Cultural Centre, and other open patners of collaboration.

“An empowered woman does not replace a man — she elevates humanity. There is no woman without a man, and there is no man without a woman. We are built to complement, not to compete,” she added.

Keynote and Guest Speakers Inspire Women in Business

The Secretary of FCT Women, Affairs Dr Adedaye Benjamins in her keynote message, called for greater mentorship and empowerment of women in business, stressing that women must move from participation to leadership in entrepreneurship and decision-making.

Also speaking, Mrs. Tinuila Aigwedo, Executive Director, Strategy and Operations at the National Credit Guarantee Company, emphasized the importance of financial inclusion and access to credit for women-led enterprises.

“Empowering women with access to finance builds families, communities, and economies. The future of Africa’s financial stability depends on how well we invest in women today,” she noted.

The Commandant of the NSCDC Dr Olushola Odumoso Promises Support and Security for Women Entrepreneurs

The Commander of the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NCDSC) also pledged continued collaboration and protection for women’s businesses and investments, assuring that security measures will be strengthened to create safe and enabling environments for women entrepreneurs.

“We will continue to protect women’s businesses and secure investment environments. Women must feel safe and confident to build and expand their enterprises,” the Commander said.

Driving Africa’s Inclusive Future

The Africa CEO Club reaffirmed its commitment to fostering mentorship, partnerships, and advocacy for women’s inclusion at all levels of leadership and decision-making across the continent.

“Together we are a voice. Together we are a movement. Together we are Africa — her voice, her power,”
— Dr. Fatoumatta Gaye concluded.