Terra Academy for the Arts, TAFTA, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, has concluded the second cohort of its Women Entrepreneurs Development Program WEDP, a three day intensive bootcamp created to support female alumni in building and scaling sustainable creative businesses.
Held from January 14 to 16, 2026, the hybrid programme brought together female creatives aged 18 to 35 for a hands-on learning experience that combined virtual business sessions with an in person pitch and showcase event in Lagos.
Participants explored practical approaches to business formalisation, financial planning, digital strategy, market access, and investor readiness within the context of the creative economy.
Speaking on the programme, Founder of TAFTA, Bolanle Austen-Peters, said: “At TAFTA, we believe talent must be matched with opportunity. This program is about ensuring that the women we train do not stop at skill acquisition but are equipped to build viable businesses, create value, and sustain their livelihoods. We are intentionally investing in women who will shape and strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy.”
Also speaking, Academy Lead at TAFTA, Mr Joseph Umoibom, said: “Women remain underrepresented in ownership and leadership across the creative economy. Through WEDP, we are deliberately building capacity, access, and confidence. What we witnessed during the pitch sessions confirms that these women are prepared to lead, innovate, and compete at the highest levels.”
Meanwhile, the first two days of the bootcamp were delivered virtually and focused on the foundations and operations of entrepreneurship. Sessions covered entrepreneurship fundamentals, legal compliance, intellectual property, financial planning, digital presence, and customer growth. Participants engaged in practical learning facilitated by experienced professionals including David Agboto, Faith Desmond, Adefunke Smith, Abiodun Adenuga, Favour Ofem, and Uloma Nkemakolam, who shared insights drawn from real world business experience.
The final day concluded with an in person session where participants presented their business ideas through structured pitch sessions before a panel of mentors, investors, and ecosystem leaders. A key highlight was a panel discussion on scaling businesses that serve diverse markets, featuring Mark Onoja, Co Founder of The Startup Place; Titilayo Ijiyokunola, a finance, strategy, and commercial leadership expert; Abiodun Mamora, investment advisor; Chinedu Isagbah, Programs Manager at TAFTA Lagos; and Unique Oliver, Co Founder of Afro Soundtrack Limited.
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