Nigerian Women Founders Get $20K Prize and Investor Training

Twenty-five Nigerian women entrepreneurs are getting a shot at closing Africa's massive funding gap for female founders.

Wetech Women Foundation and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub just launched PitchHer, an eight-week investment readiness program designed to transform women business owners from "interested in raising capital" to "ready to pitch investors." Applications are open now through July 10, with the program kicking off August 3.

The numbers tell a troubling story. In 2025, African startups raised $3.2 billion in funding, but women-founded teams received just 0.9% of that total. According to Wetech President Gabriella Uwadiegwu, these gender gaps cost Nigeria an estimated $229 billion in potential GDP growth.

PitchHer targets early-stage founders who already have traction. Participants need a product in market, paying customers or validated user testing, and plans to raise capital within 12 to 18 months. The program is sector-agnostic and open to women founders across Nigeria.

The eight weeks cover financial planning, investor communication, and pitch development. At week six, a mock pitch panel will select six finalists for two additional weeks of one-on-one coaching, deck refinement, and simulated investor Q&A sessions.

Those six finalists will pitch live at Wetech's 2026 Flagship Conference on September 26 at Landmark Centre in Lagos. The audience includes over 2,500 attendees, active investors, and ecosystem leaders. Winners will share an 8.5 million naira prize pool (approximately $20,000).

The Ripple Effect

The program represents more than pitch practice. It opens doors that have stayed closed to too many women: world-class investment education, active investor networks, and visibility in front of decision-makers with capital to deploy.

By focusing on founders already serving customers and generating early revenue, PitchHer targets entrepreneurs at the exact moment when smart capital can accelerate growth. The UK government's Digital Access Programme funding signals international recognition that closing Africa's gender funding gap isn't just fair, it's economically essential.

Nigeria-based women founders ready to scale can apply now at Wetech's website, where the program promises to help turn viable businesses into fundable ventures.