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The Mastercard Foundation has launched its Pathways to Scale Program in Nigeria, offering women entrepreneurs concessional loans ranging from ₦3 million to ₦300 million alongside mentorship, advisory services, and tailored business support. The initiative, which closes applications on May 22, 2026, is designed to break barriers that have historically limited women’s access to finance, markets, and networks.
Bridging Finance and Empowerment
At the heart of the program is a commitment to financial inclusion. Women entrepreneurs in agriculture and related sectors — particularly those in rural and peri‑urban communities — will gain access to affordable credit. This is a critical intervention in a country where women‑owned businesses often struggle to secure funding despite their proven role in driving local economies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be women entrepreneurs generating over ₦88 million annually.
- Operate businesses in rural or peri‑urban Nigeria.
- Commit to full participation in program activities.
This focus ensures that the program supports enterprises with demonstrated capacity while scaling their impact in underserved regions.
Beyond Loans: Holistic Support
The Pathways to Scale Program goes beyond finance. Participants will benefit from:
- Mentorship and advisory services from industry experts.
- Tailored business support powered by SIGMAT AI.
- Networking opportunities with investors, corporates, and financial institutions.
- Access to markets through ecosystem partnerships.
By combining capital with knowledge and networks, the program positions women entrepreneurs to thrive sustainably.
National Development Impact
Nigeria’s agricultural sector employs millions and contributes significantly to GDP. Yet women, who form a large share of this workforce, remain underrepresented in leadership and ownership. The Mastercard Foundation’s intervention aligns with national development goals by:
- Strengthening food security.
- Driving rural development.
- Creating jobs for young people and women.
- Promoting gender equity in economic participation.
Similar initiatives across Africa in Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda have shown that targeted support for women entrepreneurs leads to measurable improvements in household income, community resilience, and national growth. Nigeria’s participation in the Pathways to Scale Program signals a step toward inclusive prosperity.
The Pathways to Scale Program is more than a funding opportunity; it is a CSR‑driven model of empowerment. By equipping women entrepreneurs with finance, mentorship, and networks, the Mastercard Foundation is helping to bridge the gap between business and society, ensuring that women play a central role in Nigeria’s development journey.
Interested candidate can apply Here
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