IFC, FCMB Launches Goldman Sachs to10,000 Women Program to Empower Female Entrepreneurs and Strengthen SMEs in Nigeria

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) have unveiled the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program in Nigeria, a global initiative designed to provide women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to scale their businesses and accelerate inclusive economic growth.

The program offers free access to ten world-class business courses, delivered online in collaboration with the University of Leeds, and grants entry into a global alumni network of more than 200,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. Participants will gain practical knowledge in areas such as business strategy, financial management, leadership, marketing, and sustainability—tools essential for driving growth in today’s competitive economy.

Building on its SheVentures platform, which has already disbursed over ₦800 million in zero-interest loans and supported women entrepreneurs with mentorship and capacity development, FCMB is now extending its impact by linking Nigerian businesswomen to an international ecosystem of learning and collaboration.

“This partnership underscores our long-standing commitment to women in business. By empowering female entrepreneurs with financial access, knowledge, and global networks, we are enabling them to scale their businesses, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy,” said FCMB’s leadership.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s national development priorities, particularly around gender equality, SME growth, and inclusive prosperity. With women accounting for a large share of small and medium enterprises in Nigeria, experts believe the program will serve as a catalyst for innovation, competitiveness, and resilience in the private sector.

“Investing in women is investing in sustainable economic development. Through this initiative, women entrepreneurs will have access to world-class training and a powerful support network that transcends borders,” IFC representatives emphasized.

By providing women-led enterprises with the right tools and opportunities, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program aims to drive long-term transformation—positioning women not just as participants but as leaders and shapers of Nigeria’s economic future.