Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa has announced the winners and top five finalists of Phase 2 of the ‘More Than A Woman’ initiative in Nigeria.
This initiative highlights Innovate UK’s support for the critical contributions of grassroots women innovators in Nigeria to the economy and the broader innovation ecosystem.
The #MoreThanAWoman initiative was successfully piloted in South Africa in 2022/3, and the success of the programme was then rolled out to both Nigeria and Kenya this year.
Under the #MoreThanAWoman initiative, selected women innovators from a pool of over 100 applicants received pitch training and intensive business planning training leveraging Innovate UK’s Innovation Canvas.
Speaking on the campaign, Chidubem Ejezie, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Global Alliance Africa, Nigeria, said: “Listening to the incredible innovations being led by the early-stage women entrepreneurs in their communities reminds me of the untold stories of grit, hard work, and perseverance among Nigerian (African) women.
“The #MorethanaWoman Initiative is just peaking, and I look forward to hearing more of these untold stories and exploring how we can better support women in their innovation journeys.”
Award Winners
Following the pitch and business planning training, the More Than A Woman final pitch event was held to select the winners for the initiative.
After the pitches, judges’ questions and selection, the winners for the two award categories “Most Potential for Impact and Best Pitch” were announced.
Most Potential for Impact was awarded to Fidi Lewi, the founder of Difian Global Concepts Ltd. Difian Global Concepts Ltd is a producer of high-quality powdered tomatoes.
They aim to significantly reduce post-harvest loss and transform the way people access and consume tomatoes by offering a convenient, long lasting, and flavourful alternative to fresh tomatoes.
Best Pitch was to Odunola Olabintan, the founder of The Health City. The Health City is a tech-enabled social enterprise that provides preventive health services and education especially for adolescents and young people.
Through its website, they provide health education and services for adolescents and young people to reduce the incidence and prevalence of chronic non-communicable and infectious diseases.
The innovators will receive support and guidance from Innovate UK, as well as business planning and pitch training and will also have the opportunity to network with key investors and ecosystem players.
Other Finalists
- Aisha Lawal – founder, Aisha Poultry Products and Agribusiness
- Jummai Victor – founder, Top-City
- Sidikat Folami – CEO, Mateen Lander Resources
Innovate UK will continue to support these women innovators by connecting them to mentors in the UK and providing unique networking opportunities with prominent investors and ecosystem leaders.
The #MorethanaWoman campaign continues to highlight the transformative potential of women-led enterprises in Africa.
Through initiatives like this, Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa is dedicated to empowering female innovators and strengthening networks within Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape.
