Airtel Africa Foundation Expands Financial Inclusion Support for Women

The Airtel Africa Foundation  is expanding financial inclusion initiatives aimed at equipping women with the skills and resources needed to strengthen their businesses and improve their 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 is aimed at increasing women’s participation in the digital economy by addressing both financial knowledge and access to relevant financial services and business opportunities.

The Foundation said its approach varies according 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 Airtel Africa Foundation’s FEED strategy, which seeks to position financial inclusion as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods, stronger businesses and more inclusive economic growth.