Airtel Africa Foundation Expands Financial Inclusion Programmes Supporting Women Across Africa
The Airtel Africa Foundation is expanding financial inclusion initiatives designed to equip women with the skills, resources and financial tools needed to strengthen their businesses and improve economic opportunities across Africa.
In Zinder, Niger, 500 women involved in agri-food processing and pottery have completed a 10-day training programme focused on business management, financial planning and the use of digital financial tools.
The training was designed to help participants improve their ability to manage their businesses, make informed financial decisions and build more resilient livelihoods.
In Nigeria, the Foundation’s Empower Her initiative has reached 2,050 women across six states. The programme combines financial literacy and business development training with Smartcash onboarding, while also providing access to grants and agent banking opportunities.
The initiative seeks to increase women’s participation in the digital economy by addressing financial knowledge gaps while expanding access to relevant financial services and business opportunities.
The Foundation said its approach is adapted to the needs of different communities while maintaining a broader focus on using financial inclusion to support women’s economic empowerment.
The programmes form part of the Airtel Africa Foundation’s FEED strategy, which positions financial inclusion as a pathway towards sustainable livelihoods, stronger businesses and more inclusive economic growth.
By combining financial literacy, business development, digital financial tools and access to funding opportunities, the initiatives are designed to help women build greater financial resilience and participate more effectively in the digital economy.
The programmes also highlight the role that targeted skills development and access to financial services can play in strengthening women-led businesses and supporting economic participation across African communities.
