The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded a grant to Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit organization focused on advancing women’s leadership in Africa, to train, upskill, and provide funding support to 1,000 women entrepreneurs through its Enterprise and Leadership Programme (ELP).

Now in its fourth year, the ELP is a practical, hands-on initiative designed to equip Nigerian women with the tools to build viable, sustainable businesses that address economic opportunities within their communities.

The programme aims to tackle economic inequality and the lack of access to resources for women by promoting decent work and inclusive growth.

Its objectives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8, which focus on gender equality and economic empowerment.

Francesca Uriri, Founder of Leading Ladies Africa, said the programme has already impacted over 500 female entrepreneurs since its inception in 2019.

“We are pleased to receive support from the Coca-Cola Foundation, as it enables us reach and directly impact 1,000 women, while strengthening the work we’re doing in championing inclusion, diversity and gender equality for African women and girls,” she said.

Uriri added that women enrolled in the programme would not only receive practical business training but also be matched with mentors and given access to seed funding.

“We’re kicking off the first cohort in Benin City, Edo State, and will follow subsequently with the second cohort in Warri, Delta State,” she said.

Speaking on the partnership, Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, said: “It is important that we do what we can to help African women achieve equality and empowerment.

We are hopeful that this modest donation will have the right impact on these women in a manner that truly changes the narrative for Nigerian women in general.”

Leading Ladies Africa’s broader mission is to create a diverse and inclusive network of female African leaders capable of delivering long-term solutions to the continent’s socio-economic and cultural challenges.

Earlier this year, the organization hosted its annual Leadership By Design Summit, which featured the First Lady of Kwara State, Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, as keynote speaker.