Bridging the Digital Divide For Female Fashion Entrepreneurs
Imagine the impact of more women having affordable access to digital tools and skills: children fed, families clothed, and communities empowered.
WHAT WE DO
Uforo Fashion Development Initiative (UFDI) empowers female fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria with the technology and skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.
Our accessible solutions, built on WhatsApp, provide affordable access to digitally enabled services and promote digital literacy and inclusion.
WHY WE DO IT
A staggering 40% of Nigerian small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operate in the fashion industry (per Kippa MSME Report), with many led by talented and ambitious women. Despite their contributions, these women entrepreneurs face a significant wage and opportunity gap.We believe digital connectivity and literacy are tools for bridging this gap. By equipping women with the skills to navigate the digital world, we open doors to new opportunities, wider markets, and increased efficiency.Ultimately, empowering women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry is not just about social justice—it is a sound economic strategy. A World Bank study estimates that closing the gender gap in Africa could add $1.5 trillion to the continent's GDP by 2030. By supporting women in fashion, UFDI fosters economic growth, innovation, and job creation across Nigeria—and the continent.
WHO WE DO IT FOR
We support African female fashion entrepreneurs, particularly those in underserved communities, who face barriers to utilizing digital technologies for their businesses. Our solutions equip them to:
Grow their businesses: Leverage digital tools to expand their reach, attract new customers, and increase sales.
Improve their livelihoods: Gain financial independence and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Become role models: Inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs to embrace technology and achieve their dreams.
HOW WE DO IT
We leverage WhatsApp, a familiar and widely used platform in Nigeria, to deliver our solutions, which comprise:
Accessible and Engaging Learning
On-demand learning content delivered in manageable portions
24/7 AI chatbot support to provide real-time guidance
Financial Management Tools
Easy sales and payment recording directly within WhatsApp
Automated daily profit and loss calculations for financial tracking
Business Operations Support
Automated order processing to streamline the ordering process and reduce manual workload.
WHERE WE DO IT
UFDI's digital delivery removes geographical barriers, allowing us to reach women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.However, we are initially focusing on establishing a strong foundation in key communities in Calabar and Lagos.
HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT
Are you a female fashion business owner interested in growing your business with digital tools? Discover how we can support you.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
Are you passionate about women's empowerment or the African fashion industry? Partner with UFDI!
UFORO means PROSPERITY
Stay updated on our journey to bridge the digital divide and drive prosperity for female fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria!
© Uforo. All rights reserved.
The Uforo Fashion Development Initiative
Contact: [email protected]
Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Welcome to our community
We're thrilled to have you on board as we support passionate entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Thank you for believing in the power of entrepreneurship!
Become a partner
Does your organization prioritize economic mobility, women's empowerment, digital inclusion, and education?We can design a partnership that aligns with your organization's values, initiatives, and target population/demographics.Let's talk :)