Amstel Malta, MTN, Others Partner with WIB Trade Fair to Drive Women’s Economic Empowerment

In a strong show of support for women entrepreneurship and innovation, leading brands including Amstel Malta and MTN Nigeria have partnered with the Women in Business (WIB) Trade Fair, a major annual event dedicated to promoting women-owned enterprises and advancing gender inclusion in commerce.The 2025 edition of the WIB Trade Fair, themed “Empowering Women, Powering the Economy,” is set to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate organizations to explore opportunities in trade, technology, and finance. The fair is designed to provide a platform for female entrepreneurs to showcase their products, network with industry leaders, and access critical business support services.

Organizers of the event announced that Amstel Malta and MTN have officially joined as strategic partners, underscoring their long-standing commitment to supporting women in business and fostering inclusive growth across Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Speaking on the partnership, Mrs. Titi Ogungbesan, Chairperson of the WIB Trade Fair Committee, described the collaboration as a significant milestone for women-led enterprises. She explained that the involvement of major corporate players would enhance visibility for small businesses and attract wider participation from both local and international stakeholders.

“Having Amstel Malta, MTN, and other key brands onboard shows that the private sector is increasingly recognizing the vital role women play in driving sustainable economic development. Their support will help us create a dynamic marketplace where innovation, mentorship, and collaboration thrive,” Ogungbesan stated.

Amstel Malta, known for its advocacy for wellness and empowerment, expressed excitement about contributing to the initiative. In a statement, the company reiterated its dedication to promoting gender equality and supporting platforms that encourage women to pursue entrepreneurial success.

Similarly, MTN Nigeria noted that its participation aligns with its corporate social investment goals, particularly in advancing digital inclusion and empowering women to leverage technology for business growth. MTN’s representative emphasized that the company would provide digital tools and mentorship opportunities for female entrepreneurs participating in the fair.

“We believe that empowering women with the right digital skills and platforms will significantly expand their market access and financial independence. The WIB Trade Fair provides a perfect setting to achieve that,” the statement read.

Other partners for this year’s fair include financial institutions, e-commerce platforms, and development organizations, all working to support the vision of a more inclusive economy. The fair will feature exhibitions, panel discussions, pitch competitions, and masterclasses led by industry experts.

According to the organizers, over 300 women-led enterprises from across Nigeria are expected to participate, spanning sectors such as fashion, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and creative arts. The event will also provide networking sessions where participants can connect with investors, policymakers, and business mentors.

Commenting on the broader impact, economic analyst Mrs. Jumoke Adebayo highlighted that women’s trade fairs and exhibitions have become crucial drivers of Nigeria’s micro and small enterprise growth. She noted that increased participation from large corporations could boost access to funding, technology, and market linkages for female entrepreneurs.

“When companies like MTN and Amstel Malta support such initiatives, they not only empower women but also stimulate broader economic participation, which translates to job creation and national development,” Adebayo said.

The Women in Business Trade Fair, which has grown steadily since its inception, has become a major event in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial calendar. It serves as both a commercial and developmental platform, helping bridge gender gaps in business access, leadership, and visibility.

With the renewed backing of corporate partners, this year’s edition is expected to record the largest turnout yet and deliver tangible outcomes for participating businesses. The fair’s organizers reaffirmed their commitment to making the event a catalyst for change, promoting financial inclusion and leadership opportunities for women across all sectors.

The WIB Trade Fair will hold later this year in Lagos, with plans underway to expand the initiative to other regions of the country in subsequent editions.