Nigeria’s Ziva Community Initiative has called for urgent policy reforms to boost women’s economic participation in the mining and agriculture sectors, highlighting a growing demand for structural changes. The initiative, based in Lagos, argues that current policies fail to support women entrepreneurs, who make up 40% of the informal agricultural workforce but receive less than 10% of formal sector investment. The push comes as global investors increasingly focus on gender-inclusive economic strategies.
Women’s Role in Nigeria’s Economy
Women in Nigeria contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP, yet their access to financial resources remains limited. According to the World Bank, 65% of women in rural areas rely on agriculture for income, but only 12% own land. The Ziva Community Initiative, led by economist Amina Adesuwa, is advocating for legal reforms to ensure land rights and access to credit for women in these sectors. “Without policy support, women will continue to be sidelined in economic growth,” Adesuwa said.
The initiative’s demands align with global trends, where 70% of investors now consider gender diversity in their portfolios. Nigeria’s economy, which relies heavily on natural resources and agriculture, stands to benefit from greater inclusion. A 2022 study by the African Development Bank found that increasing women’s participation in agriculture could boost national output by up to 25%.
Impact on Markets and Investment
Investors are closely watching Nigeria’s policy moves, as gender inclusion is increasingly tied to long-term economic stability. The Ziva Community Initiative’s push comes amid a broader global shift toward ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, with firms like BlackRock and Standard Chartered prioritizing gender equity in emerging markets. Nigeria’s mining sector, which contributes 12% to GDP, could see a surge in foreign direct investment if reforms are implemented.
However, the lack of clear policy direction remains a barrier. A 2023 report by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics showed that only 18% of women-led businesses in the mining sector received government support. “Investors want clarity,” said Tunde Okoro, a financial analyst at First City Monument Bank. “If Nigeria doesn’t act, it risks falling behind other African economies that have already embraced gender-inclusive policies.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the momentum, challenges persist. Cultural norms and legal barriers continue to limit women’s access to land and finance. In the northern state of Kano, for example, only 5% of women hold formal land titles, according to the Nigerian Land Use Act. The Ziva Initiative is working with local governments to address these gaps, but progress remains slow.
Opportunities, however, are emerging. In the mining sector, women-led cooperatives in Enugu have seen a 30% increase in productivity after receiving targeted training. These success stories are being highlighted by the initiative as proof that inclusive policies can drive economic growth. “We’re not asking for handouts,” said Adesuwa. “We’re asking for a level playing field.”
Global and Local Reactions
International bodies have taken notice. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has pledged support for Nigeria’s gender-inclusive initiatives, while local NGOs are mobilizing grassroots campaigns. In contrast, some traditional leaders in the north have expressed resistance, citing cultural concerns. “We need to balance tradition with progress,” said Dr. Nia Okafor, a policy advisor in Abuja.
The Ziva Initiative has also drawn attention from Singapore-based investors. A recent report by the Singapore International Foundation noted that women-led enterprises in Nigeria have a higher survival rate than male-led ones, making them an attractive investment opportunity. “This is not just a moral issue—it’s a smart economic move,” said Lim Wei Heng, a venture capitalist based in Singapore.
What Comes Next?
The Ziva Community Initiative has set a deadline for the Nigerian government to respond by the end of 2025. If no action is taken, the group plans to escalate its efforts, including a public campaign and a formal petition to the African Union. Investors and policymakers are now watching closely, as the outcome could shape Nigeria’s economic trajectory for years to come.
For Singaporean investors, the initiative highlights the growing importance of gender equity in emerging markets. As global markets become more interconnected, the economic potential of women-led enterprises in Nigeria and beyond cannot be ignored. The coming months will determine whether policy reforms can turn this potential into reality.
