By Nnasom David

The Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW Africa) Summit 2025 concluded with a strong call for African governments to prioritize women’s economic empowerment as a crucial factor for the continent’s sustainable development and growth.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole M.CIoD FITD

Continental President, Commonwealth Business Women Africa.

The summit, held in Lagos, Nigeria, from March 8-11, 2025, brought together a diverse group of women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across Africa.

A key outcome of the summit was the “Lagos Declaration,” signed by CBW Africa Continental President, Mrs. Ngozi Oyewole. The declaration emphasized the vital role of women in driving sustainable development. “Women are not just participants, but leaders, innovators, and change-makers,” the declaration stated, adding, “It is essential that we confront the challenges head-on and demand equal representation and participation in all sectors.”

The summit also issued a call to action for stakeholders to “Synergise for Sustainable Prosperity: Uniting Trade, Health, Wellness, Technological Advancement, Informal Sector Advancement, and Clean Energy Solutions in Africa” by finding ways to create synergies among these key areas and ensuring women’s voices are central to these discussions.

CBW Africa, aligning with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme to Accelerate Action on gender equality, announced plans to undertake several initiatives, including enrolling one million girls in coding programs, reducing maternal and infant mortality in rural areas, promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting policies to enhance industrialization, and working to eliminate early marriages. The organization stressed that these initiatives “require the support and commitment of all stakeholders, including governments, organizations, and individuals.”

Mrs. Oyewole urged African governments to establish mechanisms for women’s economic advancement in response to global economic challenges. “When women thrive, families thrive, communities prosper, and nations grow stronger,” Mrs. Oyewole emphasized.

The summit featured a range of activities, including discussions, workshops, and networking, which led to the development of actionable strategies for creating synergies across trade, health, technology, and clean energy. Participants also developed resources, such as training materials and toolkits, to support members in enhancing their business skills.

CBW Africa reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment, stating that it will continue to champion the cause of women driving meaningful change across the continent. As Mrs. Oyewole stated, “Let us unite our efforts to make a lasting impact and forge a future where women are valued, respected, and empowered to lead.”

CBW Africa expressed its gratitude to the numerous partners, individuals, and organizations that supported the summit, including the Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Honourable Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, the Iyalode of Lagos, Chief Dr. Mrs. Bintu Fatima Tinubu, the Director General Manufacturers Association Of Nigeria (MAN) Mr Segun Ajayi Kadir mni, and the Wife of the Minister of Budget and Planning, Hajiya Aisha Bagudu, among others.