UN women, Do Take Action launch WEEAP to boost women’s economic role in West Africa

In a bid to address the gender gap in public procurement and bolster economic inclusivity, the United Nations (UN) Women, in collaboration with the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Do Take Action, has unveiled the Women Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement (WEEAP) training initiative in West Africa.

This flagship program targets the empowerment of at least 2500 women across Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. It aims to enhance the accessibility of procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses, fostering a more inclusive economic landscape.

Despite women overseeing a significant portion of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region—constituting approximately 41% and totaling 23 million female entrepreneurs—procurement contracts received by women remain disproportionately low. This is despite their substantial contributions to regional economies, accounting for an average of 20% of GDP.

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Public procurement plays a pivotal role in the global economy, representing 14.9% of GDP in OECD countries and nearly 40% in sub-Saharan Africa. However, in Nigeria, women-owned businesses secure merely 1% of federal and state-level contracts, despite an annual expenditure of $1.1 billion. Shockingly, only N4.73 million reaches women-owned enterprises (NACCIMA, 2021). This stark inequality hampers women’s economic progress and stifles the overall economic potential of the region.

The WEEAP program marks a significant stride towards gender equality in West Africa,” affirmed Precious Ebere, CEO of Do Take Action. “By equipping women-led businesses with essential tools and resources to compete for public contracts, we are not only empowering women but also unlocking the full economic prowess of the region.