‘Women entrepreneurs driving Nigeria’s growth’

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Traxis Magazine, Ijeoma Okonkwo,  says women entrepreneurs have continued to play a defining role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and shaping the future of indigenous enterprise. Speaking on the vision behind her publication which was launched recently, Okonkwo explained that Traxis Magazine was born out of a passion to amplify the […]

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Traxis Magazine, Ijeoma Okonkwo,  says women entrepreneurs have continued to play a defining role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and shaping the future of indigenous enterprise.

Speaking on the vision behind her publication which was launched recently, Okonkwo explained that Traxis Magazine was born out of a passion to amplify the stories of hardworking Nigerian and African entrepreneurs who are often limited by lack of visibility and access to funding.

“As someone who has been exposed to businesses and seen the hard work people put in to grow, only to get stuck at some point due to lack of visibility or funds, I just had the urge to do something more.”

Having worked in exhibitions and trade shows across Nigeria and abroad, Okonkwo said she observed that while entrepreneurs gained short-term exposure during such events, their visibility waned afterwards.

“I asked myself, what’s next for these businesses? They need to be seen; they need to be heard. That’s how Traxis was born to tell their stories, to amplify their work, and connect them to investors and global markets,” she explained.

Okonkwo noted that Traxis Magazine focuses on authentic, homegrown brands whose products are 100 percent indigenous. “We are highlighting businesses that use local raw materials, because a lot of people don’t even know the resources Nigeria has. We are a blessed nation with so much to offer, and people are turning those resources into beautiful things,” she added.

She disclosed plans to extend the brand’s reach beyond print, with digital storytelling and strategic global partnerships. “We already have video documentaries launching on YouTube, and we’re in talks to partner with airlines so that when you’re on a flight, you can watch inspiring stories of African businesses. We’re also placing Traxis in airports, embassies, high-end hotels, and lounges, places where high-net-worth individuals can see these brands and invest in them.”

On the role of women in entrepreneurship, Okonkwo acknowledged their growing impact, noting that many of the entrepreneurs featured in Traxis are women. “Women do a lot of work. They are resourceful, resilient, and able to create something out of nothing. It’s not about gender for us, it’s about what you do, what you offer. But truth be told, women are leading in this space, and they deserve to be recognised.”

She stressed that entrepreneurship has become a key driver of employment and innovation in Nigeria. “Right now, we have more people employed as entrepreneurs than in the corporate sector,” she said. “The businesses being built today are not just for local consumption they have global potential. Traxis is ensuring the world sees them.”

Princess Adeyinka, Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Happy Coffee, emphasised the importance of representation and national pride in building strong businesses. “It’s very important for women to see role models who are working hard and building. Being Nigerian is the best thing in the world. What good would it do for us not to build the Nigeria of our dreams?”

She urged entrepreneurs to stay committed and mentally prepared, adding, “You need to show up for your dream, building a business is a serious matter. If I can, you can.”

Also speaking, Chibueze Obinwanne, Co-founder of The Milkbooster, highlighted the company’s work in supporting mothers through breastfeeding challenges. “It’s painful for a mom to carry a baby for nine months only for the child to have no food. That’s the problem we solve,” he explained.

Obinwanne said the company launched Nigeria’s first human milk bank in 2022 and has continued to champion maternal and infant health despite logistical challenges. “Electricity and poor cold-chain logistics make it difficult, but we’ve found ways to keep going. We need collection centers across the country. This should be a national initiative because no mother should lose her child when there’s a solution available.”