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The Alternative Bank Unveils Women in Tech Scholarship to Drive Digital Inclusion and Gender Equity
The Alternative Bank (AltBank) has announced the launch of the Alternative Bank–Utiva Women in Tech Scholarship, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs through digital skills, innovation design, and business growth training.
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The announcement was made during a high-level virtual convening held to commemorate the International Day for Rural Women, with participation from government officials, international development agencies, and women leaders across Africa.
Scheduled to commence in November 2025, the programme forms part of AltBank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy to bridge gender and digital divides, helping women scale their enterprises and strengthen participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Empowering Rural Women Through Innovation and Inclusive Finance
Speaking at the event, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, Executive Director (South) at The Alternative Bank, described the initiative as both symbolic and strategic in advancing women’s empowerment.
“Women are the heartbeat of food systems, the lifeline of families, and the silent architects of community resilience,” Demola-Adeniyi said. “Empowering rural women is a moral imperative and a cornerstone of sustainable national growth. The Alternative Bank is open to partnering, financing ideas, and co-creating sustainable solutions that uplift women and strengthen communities.”
The scholarship seeks to equip women—particularly those in rural and underserved communities—with digital competencies that promote entrepreneurial sustainability and inclusive economic participation.
Utiva Partnership to Redefine Women’s Access to Digital Opportunities
Eyitayo Ogunmola, Chief Executive Officer of Utiva, the digital learning and innovation company partnering on the initiative, said the programme will open new pathways for women in technology and entrepreneurship.
“When women are equipped with the right digital skills, they don’t just transform their businesses—they transform their communities,” Ogunmola noted. “This partnership with The Alternative Bank is about creating long-term inclusion, innovation, and empowerment for women shaping Africa’s enterprise future.”
Global and National Stakeholders Reaffirm Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The virtual convening, themed “Rural Women and MSMEs: Driving Sustainability, Strengthening Economies, Securing Our Shared Tomorrow,” brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and development partners to celebrate and advocate for the empowerment of women in rural communities.
Hon. Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to removing barriers faced by rural women.
“Women make up to 70% of our food system in Nigeria,” she said. “They are vital to our food security, yet many face barriers in access to education, finance, and productive opportunities. We are working to eradicate these barriers and build a more inclusive society.”
From the United Nations, Osalobo Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at UN Women, called for sustained investments in rural women’s leadership, access to finance, and mentorship opportunities.
“Let us commit to investing in women’s leadership, expanding access to finance, and fostering entrepreneurial skills,” she urged. “Only then can we achieve a future that is sustainable and equitable.”
Experts Advocate Rethinking Traditional Development Models
In her keynote presentation, Kemi Ayanda, Economic Development and Trade Strategist for Africa and the Middle East, challenged participants to rethink how resilience and inclusion are defined in development frameworks.
“True transformation begins not with funding, but with reimagining systems that recognise resilience as an economic asset and women as stabilisers of local economies,” Ayanda asserted.
Other distinguished speakers included:
- Hajia Fatima Dikko Radda, Wife of the Executive Governor of Katsina State
- Mrs. Ellen T. Johnson, Country Head, Commonwealth Businesswomen Africa (Gambia)
- Judith Libaisi Kayoni, Global Rural and Social Development Expert (Kenya)
- Dr. Hadiza Yaro, Anglophone West Africa Sales Manager, SAKATA Vegetables Europe SAS
- Ameena Buhari-Mohammed, Private Banking & Wealth Management Lead, The Alternative Bank
Driving a Future of Ethical Finance and Inclusive Growth
The Alternative Bank’s observance of the International Day for Rural Women reflects its broader mission to promote ethical finance, inclusive innovation, and sustainable enterprise growth across Nigeria.
By investing in women’s digital and business capacity, AltBank aims to unlock opportunities for women-led MSMEs, strengthen local economies, and support Nigeria’s transition toward a resilient and inclusive digital future.
