By Esther Onyegbula

Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Dabota Cosmetics, Dabota Lawson, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Woodhall Capital International to secure a structured international financing facility aimed at accelerating the global expansion of the Nigerian beauty brand.

The agreement, which marks a major milestone for Africa’s beauty and creative economy, was executed at a high-profile gathering hosted by the Founder and President of Woodhall Capital International, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, bringing together prominent leaders from Africa’s financial, business and creative sectors.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by President of the African Export-Import Bank, Benedict Oramah, and Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade Bank at Afreximbank, Kanayo Awani.
Also present at the event was renowned Nigerian filmmaker and actress, Funke Akindele, whose contributions have helped project African storytelling to global audiences.
The partnership is expected to open a new growth phase for Dabota Cosmetics as the company positions itself to scale operations internationally and strengthen the visibility of African beauty brands in the global marketplace.

Speaking after the signing, Lawson described the agreement as the culmination of a mentorship relationship and a shared vision for building sustainable African enterprises.
According to her, the journey leading to the partnership began about a year ago during a meeting with Hunponu-Wusu in London.

“About a year ago, I sat with Mrs. Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu at Harrods in London, where she graciously stepped into the role of mentor, sharing guidance and insight on building sustainable African enterprises,” Lawson said. “To see that conversation evolve into a structured international facility within a year is a testament to the power of vision, mentorship and faith.”
She noted that the deal represents more than a business expansion plan, stressing that the brand aims to serve as a platform for African creativity and enterprise on the global stage.

“What we are building with Dabota Cosmetics is not simply a beauty brand,” she said. “It is a platform that represents African creativity, enterprise and the possibility of global scale.”
Industry observers say the presence of Afreximbank’s leadership at the event highlights the increasing recognition of Africa’s creative and beauty industries as viable drivers of economic growth and trade across the continent.

For Hunponu-Wusu, whose firm provides investment advisory services to African businesses seeking global market access, the agreement underscores the importance of supporting visionary entrepreneurs capable of building globally competitive brands.

Lawson also expressed appreciation to her team and the advisory team at Woodhall Capital International for their role in facilitating the partnership.

Analysts say the agreement could position Dabota Cosmetics among emerging African beauty brands to watch as global demand continues to grow for beauty products developed by African-founded companies.

With the MoU now in place, the company is expected to begin implementing expansion plans aimed at taking African beauty, creativity and entrepreneurship to the international stage.