By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Adeshola Onadipe is an entrepreneur and an advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the convener of the S.H.E Global Awards, a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in various entrepreneurial fields.
With over 12 years of banking experience at financial institutions such as Oceanic Bank PLC (now Eco Bank PLC) and First City Monument Bank PLC, Adeshola combines her financial expertise with her passion for fostering women’s leadership and success.
In this interview with Daily Sun, she reflects on her belief in the potentials of women to make significant contributions in their communities and the economy. Through her initiatives and advocacy, she inspires and uplifts women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and achieve their potentials.
You have built an incredible platform that amplifies the voices of female entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond. Tell us about your journey. How did it all begin?
My journey as an advocate for female entrepreneurs started with a deep passion for empowerment, visibility, and recognition. I have always believed that women in business, especially in Africa and the Middle East, deserve to be seen, heard, and recognized globally. It all began with my own experiences as a businesswoman navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. I realized that many women had great potential but lacked the platforms, resources, and networks to showcase their talents and businesses. This motivated me to establish Ladies in Business Magazine Global, a publication dedicated to telling the stories of unsung heroines. Women who are making an impact but are often overlooked.
My vision expanded when I founded the African-Arab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry to bridge economic opportunities between Africa and the Arab world, fostering collaborations and opening doors for female entrepreneurs.
My work with Olazsports Intermediary Nigeria Limited, a company specializing in lithium mining and renewable energy, further reinforced my commitment to driving economic transformation. In the often challenging landscape of entrepreneurship, I faced obstacles that I knew many other women were encountering, from securing funding to gaining access to valuable networks. As I started to connect with other female entrepreneurs, I realized that our collective experiences were not only powerful but could also lay the for a supportive community.
From there, I began organizing local meet ups and workshops to create spaces where women could share their stories, challenges, and triumphs. These gatherings quickly evolved into a movement. I formed partnerships with local organizations and worked to create platforms where women could showcase their businesses, collaborate, and learn from one another.
Recognizing the need for a larger platform, I launched a digital initiative aimed at amplifying these voices on a global scale. This platform serves as a hub for female entrepreneurs to share their journeys, access resources, and connect with mentors and investors. Through storytelling and visibility, we challenge stereotypes and highlight the contributions of women to various sectors. Throughout this journey, I have been inspired by the resilience, creativity, and innovation of female entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Our efforts have garnered attention and support, leading to initiatives that focus on mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and international collaborations.
Beyond business, I have always sought platforms to celebrate women, which led to initiatives like the SHE Global Awards Inc., honoring women breaking barriers in various fields. My journey has taken me across different countries, where I have represented women in business at high-level forums, including the Businessperson Diplomats Union in Turkey and the Centre Arab African Investment Development in Algeria.
How were you able to thrive globally? Was it a smooth ride?
The road hasn’t been easy, but the impact we have made is helping women gain confidence, funding, and international recognition. And that keeps me going. My journey is far from over, and I am committed to creating even more opportunities for female entrepreneurs to thrive globally.
Can you tell us about the vision behind Ladies In Business Magazine Global?
In a world where female entrepreneurs are making remarkable strides, Ladies In Business Magazine Global stands out as a game-changer. More than just a publication, it is a vibrant, creative, and inspiring platform designed to uplift and spotlight women in business. What sets Ladies In Business Magazine Global apart is its commitment to showcasing both established women leaders and rising female entrepreneurs. With engaging content and visually captivating designs, the magazine delivers not only valuable business insights but also a strong sense of motivation and empowerment.
Also, beyond its editorial excellence, the magazine actively supports young female entrepreneurs by providing freelance opportunities for business promotions. Through strategic platforms and necessary exposure, it ensures that these women are SEEN, HEARD, and RECOGNIZED on a global scale.
In 2019, I took this vision a step further by launching the S.H.E AWARDS AFRICA from Nigeria. This prestigious award celebrates and rewards outstanding female entrepreneurs, recognizing their resilience, innovation, and impact in various industries worldwide. With this dynamic approach, Ladies In Business Magazine Global became a beacon of support and recognition for women striving to make a difference in the business world.
With your extensive experience in banking, business development, and advocacy, what would you say is the single most important factor that determines whether a woman succeeds or struggles in entrepreneurship today?
The single most important factor is access to opportunities which includes funding, networks, and knowledge. Many women have brilliant business ideas, but without the right financial support, strategic connections, and industry insights, they face significant challenges in scaling up their businesses. What I have experience, is this the women who succeed are those who position themselves where opportunities exist, continuously they build relationships, and seek knowledge to grow their businesses.
Access to funding remains a critical barrier; research consistently shows that women entrepreneurs often receive less investment compared to their male counterparts, regardless of the viability of their business models. This lack of financial backing can limit their ability to grow, hire talent, and innovate. Equally important are networks. Women often find themselves isolated in the business world, and without the right connections, it’s challenging to gain visibility, mentorship, or support. Building relationships within networks can lead to referrals, collaborations, and opportunities that are essential for business success.
Knowledge and information are also paramount. Women entrepreneurs need access to training, resources, and mentorship that provide the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of running a business. This includes understanding market dynamics, legal requirements, and effective business strategies. In essence, while determination and passion are critical qualities for success, they must be complemented by the opportunity to access funding, build networks, and acquire knowledge. By addressing these key areas, we can help empower women entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, thrive, and contribute to economic growth in their community.
With your extensive experience in banking, business development, and advocacy, what would you say is the single most important factor that determines whether a woman succeeds or struggles in entrepreneurship today?
The single most important factor is access to opportunities. This includes funding, networks, and knowledge. Many women have brilliant business ideas, but without the right financial support, strategic connections, and industry insights, they struggle to scale their ventures. From my experience, successful women are those who position themselves where opportunities exist, build relationships, and continuously seek knowledge to grow their businesses. This is why I am passionate about advocacy and creating platforms like Ladies in Business Magazine Global and the African-Arab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These initiatives ensure women have access to visibility, funding, and mentorship. Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about being in the right circles, leveraging partnerships, and continuously adapting to an evolving business landscape.
How can women entrepreneurs globally address the challenges they encounter while striving for success?
Women in business commonly face obstacles such as limited access to funding, market visibility, mentorship, and business expansion opportunities. However, they can overcome these by adopting strategic approaches and leveraging platforms, networks, and innovative solutions. Build financial literacy and investment readiness to attract funding. Join women-focused business accelerators and funding programs. They need to utilize digital platforms (social media, e-commerce, and digital marketing) to expand brand awareness. .More so, participate in business expos, networking events, and award programs like the SHE Global Awards Inc. to gain credibility.
Collaborate with media platforms such as Ladies in Business Magazine Global for international exposure. Engage in mentorship programs that provide guidance and industry expertise.
Also, they can join business chambers like the African-Arab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry for access to training and development support. Attend leadership forums and business summits for insights from experienced entrepreneurs.
Push for policies that support women in business and promote gender equality. Also, they should build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills to navigate business challenges. They should equally support and collaborate with fellow female entrepreneurs instead of competing.
Moreover, they leverage on resources, network, and advocacy initiatives, women can navigate obstacles, strengthen their businesses, and achieve global success. My work through various platforms ensures that women have the support systems needed to be seen, heard, and recognized in the business world.
Many women face cultural, financial, and societal barriers in business. Can you share a defining moment when you had to push through such obstacles, and what advice would you give to women facing similar challenges?
One of the most defining moments in my journey was establishing myself as a female business leader in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—a region where business is traditionally male-dominated, and cultural dynamics sometimes limit women’s visibility in leadership and entrepreneurship. When I first started organizing Miss Nigeria UAE and the Nigeria Independence Day Celebration in Dubai, many questioned whether a Nigerian woman could successfully create a platform that would gain acceptance in the UAE business environment. Given the diplomatic challenges between Nigeria and the UAE, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. However, I remained focused on my vision—to celebrate Nigerian culture, empower women, and create economic opportunities for Africans living in the region.
Additionally, as the President of the African-Arab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I worked to build strong business connections between African and Arab women entrepreneurs. Breaking into these circles required patience, strategic networking, and a deep understanding of local business etiquette. But through collaboration, consistency, trust, and resilience, I gained recognition and became a bridge for African women in business within the UAE.
My Advice for Women Facing Similar Challenges: Understand the Business Landscape: Learn the customs, values, and business practices of the region you operate in. Respecting the culture while positioning yourself strategically can help you gain acceptance.
Build Trust & Relationships: Success in male-dominated business spaces requires trust and credibility. Attend industry events, join business chambers, and collaborate with reputable partners. Stay Resilient & Adaptable: Challenges will arise, from financial barriers to gender biases. Stay focused, be flexible, and find creative solutions to navigate obstacles. Seek Mentorship: Connect with women who have successfully navigated similar spaces. Join women-focused business networks and organizations for guidance and support. Believe in Yourself & Keep Pushing Forward: Many will doubt you, but confidence and persistence are key. If a door doesn’t open, create your own!
Through persistence, adaptability, and strategic partnerships, I overcame these barriers. Now, I use my platform to empower more women to thrive in business across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
You are not just building businesses but also empowering the next generation of female entrepreneurs. How do you see your impact shaping the future of women in business over the next decade?
My work is not just about building businesses; it is about creating a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and opportunities for future generations. Over the next decade, I envision my impact growing in several key areas that will transform women’s entrepreneurship globally: Growing the influence of the SHE Global Awards: Establishing Regional SHE Awards in multiple countries to recognize and celebrate outstanding female entrepreneurs. Using the platform to showcase inspiring success stories and encourage more women to step into leadership roles.
My goal is to continue bridging the gap for women in business, ensuring they have the right tools, visibility, and financial support to thrive. The next generation of female entrepreneurs will not only succeed but will also lead, innovate, and shape the global economy in ways we have yet to imagine