Aisha Babangida, a prominent Nigerian humanitarian and philanthropist, has dedicated her life to empowering women and fostering sustainable development across Africa. As the Chairperson of the Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman (BLPARW), she continues the legacy of her mother, the late Maryam Babangida, who founded the initiative in 1987 to uplift rural women through education, entrepreneurship, and health programs.
Under Aisha’s leadership, BLPARW has expanded its reach, impacting women in 16 Nigerian states by providing entrepreneurial skills, adult literacy education, and support for small-scale agriculture. The program’s initiatives aim to equip women with the tools needed for economic independence and community development.
In 2016, recognizing the financial barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, Aisha established Egwafin MicroFinance Bank. The bank focuses on providing accessible financial services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by women, to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty. Two years later, she founded the Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA) to support early-stage companies and SMEs across Africa.
WenA offers mentorship, investment, and resources to women entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and business acumen. Aisha’s multifaceted approach to women’s empowerment—combining education, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship—has solidified her role as a transformative leader in Africa.
Through her unwavering commitment, she continues to inspire and create opportunities for women to thrive economically and socially.
