However, for many women-led businesses in Nigeria, AI remains an abstract concept — largely out of reach due to systemic barriers such as limited access to training, financial constraints, and deep-seated biases in the tech ecosystem.
This reality is what makes the new partnership between Nimbus Aid Foundation, a social impact initiative that provides critical market access and business development support to women entrepreneurs, and ALX Nigeria particularly significant. The initiative aims to equip 10,000 women entrepreneurs with AI skills, helping them leverage technology to streamline operations and scale their businesses.
The AI accessibility challenge
Women-led businesses make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s SME sector, yet they struggle with digital transformation at an excessive rate. Studies suggest that factors like lack of tailored training, inadequate funding, and low representation in tech-focused industries and roles contribute to this disparity.
“Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation, yet they remain under-represented in technology adoption. Our partnership with ALX represents a strategic evolution in how we support SMEs, moving beyond traditional advertising support to embrace technological empowerment,” Wale Adegoke, Founder of Nimbus Aid Foundation, says in a statement seen by Techpoint Africa.
Another hurdle is the cost of AI adoption. While large corporations integrate AI into their operations, many SMEs, particularly those run by women, lack the financial resources to invest in AI-driven solutions.
Making a difference with women-focused AI training
The Nimbus Aid Foundation and ALX Nigeria partnership aims to tackle these issues. By offering AI education tailored for women-led businesses, they hope to make technology more accessible and applicable to real-world business needs.
Since its inception in 2016, Nimbus Aid Foundation (formerly Nimbus Aid Project) has invested over ₦50 million in advertising support, benefiting 33 women-led organisations. Its evolution from a corporate initiative to an independent entity marks a deliberate strategy to amplify social impact through expanded partnerships. This collaboration with ALX is one of such partnerships that seeks to expand Nimbus’ impact.
“In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity for business sustainability. The economic pressures of recent years make it particularly crucial for women-led SMEs to adopt cost-efficient technologies,” Adeogoke explains
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ALX, known for its extensive training programmes, brings a strong track record to the table. With over 1 million learners enrolled in its courses since 2021, nearly half of them women, the organisation is well-equipped to provide the necessary digital skills to female entrepreneurs.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with ALX’s mission to democratise access to world-class tech education. We’re bringing Silicon Valley-level AI education directly to Nigerian women entrepreneurs with a curriculum designed to be practical and immediately applicable to business operations,” said Ruby Igwe, General Manager Nigeria at ALX Africa.
The long-term vision
This partnership is a step in the right direction.
With AI becoming increasingly necessary for business operations, initiatives like this could be the key to unlocking Nigeria’s next wave of female-led digital enterprises.
However, success will depend on sustained support, industry collaborations, and access to funding that enables women-led businesses to implement what they learn.
Sarah is a researcher and writer with a background in historical research, storytelling, and international relations. She brings an analytical perspective to reporting on business and technology, uncovering the broader trends shaping industries and economies.
