BusinessDay Media Limited has announced the launch of “She Means Business,” a new business intelligence platform aimed at women leading companies, investments and policy across Africa.

The initiative, developed in partnership with Fernhill Digital, will begin with a monthly magazine distributed through BusinessDay’s print and digital channels.

The first issue is scheduled for release on 20 March 2026.

The platform is designed to provide insights, strategies and real-world case studies to help women entrepreneurs and executives scale businesses, build wealth and influence economic decisions.

Why it matters

Women have played increasingly visible roles in Nigeria’s business landscape.

They lead major corporations, manage investment portfolios and shape government policies.

However, according to the organisers, there has been no dedicated business intelligence ecosystem focused on analysing how women build and sustain economic influence.

The creators of the platform say filling that gap could strengthen decision-making across Africa’s growing female business leadership community.

The vision behind the platform

Datari Ladejo, founder and chief executive of Fernhill Digital, said the initiative aims to document the strategies behind women’s success in business.

“Nigeria’s women executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and political leaders have been driving economic outcomes without a dedicated business intelligence platform built to match the scale of what they’re building,” she said.

“She Means Business exists to close that gap. Not only by celebrating women in apex positions but by documenting the intelligence behind how they scale, lead, and wield influence.”

She added that women across Africa are already making decisions that influence markets and deserve a platform that reflects that impact.

“Across Africa, women are making decisions that move markets, and they deserve a platform built to the same standard they hold themselves to,” she said.

BusinessDay’s role

BusinessDay’s publisher and chief executive Frank Aigbogun said the partnership fits into the organisation’s mission to strengthen Nigeria’s economic narrative.

“Nigeria’s development story is incomplete without women,” he said.

“This partnership allows us to position women as equal partners in economic progress — not as a side conversation, but as central to the intelligence we deliver.”

According to him, the initiative could eventually grow beyond publishing.

“She Means Business will grow into an ecosystem that informs policy, influences boardrooms, and redefines how leadership and business success are measured and reported,” he said.

Industry perspective

Analysts say platforms that highlight women-led businesses could help address long-standing gaps in access to capital, visibility and networks.

Many women-led enterprises in Africa still face barriers when seeking investment or expanding internationally.

Business intelligence platforms that share data, frameworks and market insights may help reduce those gaps by making information more accessible to entrepreneurs and investors.

What the platform will offer

The She Means Business magazine will feature stories drawn from sectors such as:

finance

entrepreneurship

technology

infrastructure

public policy

Each edition will combine data-driven reporting, leadership interviews and practical business frameworks.

The content will be distributed as an insert in BusinessDay, reaching executives, policymakers and investors across Nigeria.

What’s next

Organisers say the magazine is only the starting point.

The broader platform is expected to expand into research, executive events and curated experiences designed to support women shaping Africa’s economy.

The inaugural edition will be available from 20 March 2026 via BusinessDay’s print and digital network.

Nigerian food and beverage company Rite Foods Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equity, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.

The company joined global organisations marking the annual event under the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting the role of women in driving inclusive growth, innovation and long-term business success.

Rite Foods said empowering women is not just a corporate social responsibility initiative but a strategic investment in sustainable development.

Women currently hold roles across the company’s manufacturing operations, corporate leadership, brand management, marketing, supply chain and distribution network.

The company said its internal culture is designed to ensure that talent is recognised and developed regardless of gender.

Why it matters

Gender equality in the workplace has become a major focus globally as businesses seek to improve innovation, productivity and decision-making through diverse leadership.

In Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, women’s participation in leadership positions has gradually increased, though industry experts say more work is still needed.

Corporate initiatives such as leadership development, mentorship programmes and inclusive workplace policies are increasingly seen as essential for economic growth and organisational resilience.

Company leadership speaks

The Managing Director of Rite Foods, Seleem Adegunwa, said the company believes inclusive opportunity strengthens business performance.

“At Rite Foods, we believe sustainable growth is built on inclusive opportunity. ‘Give to Gain’ reflects our conviction that when organisations invest deliberately in women through leadership pathways, mentorship, and capacity development they gain stronger performance and long-term resilience.”

The company’s Chief Finance Officer, Mrs. Kudirat Balogun, said the organisation’s commitment goes beyond symbolic celebration.

“Our commitment goes beyond words. We are deliberate about strengthening gender-balanced leadership policies and creating platforms that enable women to grow, lead, and influence decision-making. True empowerment requires sustained action, and we remain steadfast in driving measurable impact.”

Industry recognition

Rite Foods has received several recognitions for sustainability and corporate impact within Nigeria’s FMCG sector.

These include the Outstanding FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year at the Edge Awards, alongside honours at the Sustainability, Innovation and Social Impact (SISA) Awards and the SERAS Awards.

The company says these achievements reflect its focus on innovation, sustainability and inclusive leadership.

What’s next

Rite Foods says it plans to deepen its commitment to gender inclusion through leadership development, mentorship opportunities and stronger representation of women across key business units.

Industry analysts say such commitments could influence broader corporate policies in Nigeria as companies seek to build diverse and resilient workforces.

A Nigerian engineering and infrastructure solutions company says empowering women across technical and leadership roles is essential for innovation, productivity, and economic growth.

JMG Limited made the commitment while marking International Women’s Day (IWD), saying gender inclusion is central to its long-term strategy and workplace culture.

The company said this year’s IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” reflects the belief that organisations and societies benefit when women are given equal access to opportunities, leadership roles and resources.

Why it matters

Women remain underrepresented in engineering and technology sectors globally, including in Nigeria.

Industry analysts say closing the gender gap could help boost innovation, improve productivity, and support sustainable development across infrastructure and energy industries.

For companies operating in technical sectors such as power generation and engineering, inclusion can also help address the shortage of skilled professionals.

JMG, which provides electro-mechanical solutions including power generation, solar systems, cooling solutions and elevators, says diversity helps strengthen its operations and improve service delivery.

Company perspective

The firm’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rabi Jammal, said the company sees gender inclusion as both a social responsibility and a strategic business decision.

“The theme ‘Give to Gain’ perfectly captures what sustainable progress looks like. When we give women access, trust, and the right platforms to excel, we gain stronger businesses and a more prosperous society,” she said.

“At JMG, inclusion is not just a policy; it is embedded in how we grow.”

She added that the company is working to expand opportunities for women within its workforce and across the broader industrial ecosystem.

“Through capacity-building initiatives, skills development, and equal opportunity practices, the company continues to create pathways for women to participate meaningfully in the country’s industrial and infrastructure growth.”

Industry and expert perspective

Experts say increasing the number of women in engineering roles could help Nigeria meet growing demand for technical expertise in infrastructure and energy projects.

According to gender equality advocates, mentorship programmes and targeted training initiatives are among the most effective ways to encourage women to enter and remain in technical careers.

Business analysts also note that companies that prioritise diversity often report improved problem-solving and innovation outcomes.

Public and workforce impact

For young women considering careers in engineering or technical fields, industry initiatives like this could create more pathways into sectors traditionally dominated by men.

Workplace inclusion programmes may also help organisations attract and retain skilled professionals in competitive industries.

Advocates say that when women succeed in technical roles, the benefits extend beyond companies to families, communities and national economic development.

What’s next

JMG says it plans to continue supporting capacity-building programmes and equal opportunity initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation across engineering, operations and leadership roles.

Industry observers say sustained efforts from both private companies and government institutions will be needed to close the gender gap in Nigeria’s technical workforce.