The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), through its Russian chapter, has announced plans to establish a regional office in Nigeria to strengthen economic cooperation and support women-led enterprises across BRICS and African regions.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following a two-day working visit by a five-member Russian delegation led by Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of BRICS Russia WBA. The team also held a closed-door meeting with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the State House.
Nesterova explained that the visit was aimed at introducing the alliance’s objectives and exploring partnerships in priority sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and labour mobility. She described Nigeria as a promising market with significant opportunities for strategic collaboration.
“The ultimate goal of the Women’s Business Alliance is not just meetings, but action,” Nesterova said, adding that establishing the Nigerian office would serve as a springboard for deepening economic ties and delivering tangible benefits to women entrepreneurs.
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Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the initiative, stressing that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and global partnerships. She also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women’s leadership and supporting the project.
She highlighted agriculture, energy, digital innovation, and education as areas for mutually beneficial partnerships. “With Nigeria’s vast market and Russia’s technological expertise, we can build win-win ventures that empower women and drive inclusive prosperity,” she said.
The regional office, once established, is expected to serve as a hub for joint ventures, business networks, and capacity-building frameworks, creating new opportunities for women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses across Africa and the BRICS nations.
