The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) has announced plans to establish a regional office in Nigeria, marking a significant step toward strengthening economic cooperation and promoting women-led entrepreneurship across Africa and the BRICS bloc.
Gatekeepers News reports that the announcement was made on Tuesday at a press briefing in Abuja 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 Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the State House.
Nesterova said the visit was aimed at introducing the alliance’s objectives and exploring business opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and labour mobility.
“This was our first meeting here in Nigeria. We introduced ourselves and expressed our readiness to open a regional office in the country. Nigeria is a promising market, and we see great potential in working with local partners,” she said.
She stressed that the WBA operates independently under the broader BRICS framework, with each national chapter expected to deliver measurable outcomes.
“The ultimate goal of the Women’s Business Alliance is not just meetings, but action. That is why it is very important for us to be here and to start the process of opening the regional office in Nigeria. It is our mission to develop your country,” Nesterova added.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the initiative, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with Russia through women-led partnerships.
“The meeting was timely and opens a new chapter for strategic cooperation between our countries. The platform aligns closely with the priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration—inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and global partnerships,” she said.
She praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for supporting the alliance, describing her as “an excellent example of the transformative power of women in shaping societies and building bridges across nations.”
A statement issued by her media aide, Magnus Eze, highlighted key areas for collaboration, including agriculture, energy, digital innovation, and education.
“With Nigeria’s vast market, natural resources, and youthful population, combined with Russia’s technological expertise, we can build win-win partnerships,” the statement read.
The minister underscored that women entrepreneurs will be central to ensuring inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
“This gathering is more than symbolic. It must result in actionable outcomes—identifying cooperation frameworks, establishing joint ventures, and building networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs,” she said.
