NGX Group Engages Women on Financial Literacy and Investment Opportunities

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has intensified its commitment to promoting gender inclusion in Nigeria’s capital market by engaging women on investment education, wealth creation, and financial literacy. The initiative, which took place at the NGX headquarters in Lagos, brought together women entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors to discuss the importance of participation in the nation’s investment ecosystem and explore strategies to bridge the gender gap in financial markets.

The event, themed “Empowering Women Through Investment,” was part of NGX’s broader effort to promote inclusive finance and sustainable economic development. It featured keynote addresses, interactive sessions, and mentorship dialogues designed to demystify the investment process and encourage more women to participate actively in the stock market.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, emphasized that empowering women through financial inclusion remains a key driver of economic growth. He noted that increased female participation in the capital market would not only enhance wealth distribution but also strengthen family and community resilience.

“Women are central to the economy, and when they are financially empowered, the benefits ripple across society. At NGX, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion by ensuring that women have access to information, tools, and resources that enable them to invest confidently,” Popoola said.

He added that the Exchange has continued to develop innovative financial products and educational initiatives that cater to the needs of diverse investor segments, including women-led businesses and female professionals. Popoola also commended the growing interest of women in sustainable investments and entrepreneurship, noting that these trends align with the global shift toward gender-sensitive economic policies.

During the panel discussion, several female leaders in finance and business shared insights on wealth management, portfolio diversification, and long-term investing. They emphasized that women must view investment as a means of achieving financial independence rather than as a complex or risky venture.

One of the panelists, the Managing Director of Chapel Hill Denham, Mrs. Funmi Ogunlesi, highlighted that financial literacy remains the foundation of economic empowerment. She stated that women must take proactive steps to educate themselves on financial planning, market trends, and available investment instruments. “The first step to empowerment is knowledge. The capital market offers numerous opportunities for wealth creation, but without financial literacy, women cannot fully maximize them,” she said.

She further urged women to explore collective investment schemes, mutual funds, and other accessible products that provide exposure to market returns with lower risks. According to her, disciplined saving, consistent investing, and access to credible financial advice are essential to building long-term financial stability.

Also speaking at the event, NGX Regulation Limited’s CEO, Ms. Tinuade Awe, emphasized the importance of transparency, trust, and regulatory protection in promoting women’s participation in the capital market. She said the Exchange’s regulatory framework ensures investor protection, which gives women the confidence to invest without fear of exploitation or misinformation.

Awe added that NGX is leveraging digital platforms to make investment education more accessible. “We are integrating technology into our investor engagement efforts. Through webinars, online learning sessions, and social media initiatives, we are reaching more women, especially young professionals who are digitally savvy,” she noted.

The event also featured a fireside chat with women entrepreneurs who shared their experiences of using the capital market to scale their businesses. They discussed how listing, bond issuance, and equity financing can help women-led enterprises attract capital and expand their operations.

One of the speakers, the founder of a Lagos-based fashion brand, shared how understanding capital market financing transformed her business from a small enterprise into a sustainable brand. “When I realized that the stock market isn’t just for big corporations but also for growing businesses, it opened my eyes to the possibilities of structured financing. NGX’s mentorship sessions gave me the confidence to explore these options,” she said.

Representatives from development partners such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) commended NGX’s ongoing advocacy for women’s inclusion in investment. They stressed that empowering women through financial knowledge contributes significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on gender equality and poverty reduction.

The NGX Group also reaffirmed its commitment to the “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” initiative, an annual campaign that raises awareness of the critical role women play in driving economic growth. The Exchange noted that gender inclusion would remain a top priority in its 2026 strategic agenda, with more programs planned to equip women with financial and entrepreneurial skills.

In her closing remarks, the Group Chief Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunke Amobi, said the NGX Group will continue to build partnerships with corporate institutions, advocacy groups, and NGOs to expand its women-focused financial education outreach. She stated that through consistent engagement and innovation, the Exchange hopes to foster a more balanced and inclusive investment landscape.

“Women are no longer passive participants in economic development; they are leaders, innovators, and wealth creators. The NGX is determined to ensure that women have the financial tools and confidence to take charge of their economic destinies,” Amobi said.

Participants praised NGX for its continuous efforts toward inclusion, calling for more grassroots financial education programs that reach rural and low-income women. They stressed that expanding access to financial resources and information would not only enhance women’s economic independence but also contribute to national growth.

The NGX Women in Investment engagement concluded with a renewed call for sustained collaboration between financial institutions, government agencies, and private sector players to ensure that women are fully represented in Nigeria’s evolving investment landscape.