Stakeholders in Nigeria’s banking and finance industry have called for greater female representation in leadership positions during the maiden edition of the African Women in Banking and Finance Association conference held in Lagos.
The event brought together female professionals, executives and industry leaders from different financial institutions across Africa to discuss leadership, inclusion and opportunities for women in the sector.
Founder of the conference, Wassila Amor, alongside co-founder of Woman Banker Magazine, Dina Amor, described the initiative as a platform created to connect women driving transformation in Africa’s financial industry.
According to them, the conference is expected to expand across the continent with the goal of promoting more women into leadership and decision-making roles within banking and finance.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Strategy, Management and Innovation at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Monsurat Vincent, said the apex bank remains committed to supporting female leadership through collaboration, mentorship and innovation.
She stated that there is still significant room for more women to occupy leadership positions across the financial sector.
The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Pius Olanrewaju, also praised the growing impact of women in the industry.
Represented by the institute’s Second Vice President, Dr Mojisola Asieru-Sweet, Olanrewaju said women continue to play a vital role in shaping excellence and driving economic growth in financial institutions globally.
He encouraged women not to underestimate their voices and urged them to take advantage of professional networks and partnerships to build a stronger and more inclusive financial system.
Chairperson of the Association of Professional Women Bankers, Rafiat Onitiri, identified collaboration, creativity and continuous learning as key qualities needed for women seeking leadership roles in the sector.
She stressed the importance of mentoring, self-development and capacity building, noting that her association had partnered with the Nigerian Exchange Group to train future board members and emerging female leaders.
During a panel session focused on women’s representation in Africa’s banking sector, speakers acknowledged that Nigeria has made progress in increasing the number of women in leadership positions.
However, Deputy Manager of Institutional Banking at The Alternative Bank, Felicia Tamuno, stressed the need for female executives to mentor younger professionals and create clearer pathways for upcoming women in the industry.
She also highlighted the importance of stronger professional networks and greater awareness of banking policies to improve accessibility and career advancement opportunities.
Project Director of the conference, Schola Andem, said the initiative was designed as a long-term movement aimed at ensuring women remain actively involved in shaping Africa’s financial future.
According to her, the platform also seeks to improve access to funding for women-led businesses and strengthen opportunities for female professionals across the continent.
The conference ended with award presentations across 20 categories, recognising notable women for their contributions to the banking, finance and business sectors.
