Abuja-based Mak Nisy was founded in June 2011 by Nneamaka Nwosisi to specialise in the design and production of handmade bags and accessories, using African print fabrics and leather.
Nneamaka’s intention was to showcase to the world that exquisite fashion accessories made with authentic local fabrics could easily match their global counterparts in terms of quality and aesthetics.
And she has since proven her mettle.
Recently, the Inclusive Growth SPIEG team of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria joined the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Svien Baera, on a visit to the Mak Nisy production facility and showroom, and had this to say:
The resilience and tenacity demonstrated by the founder in navigating the challenges of running a business in this environment is truly inspiring. Mak Nisy, a female-owned business that has been operational for 13 years, currently employs 62 staff.
This business is a testament to the transformative potential of female-owned SMEs in contributing to job creation and economic growth, even on a small scale. However, the time has come for Mak Nisy to scale and significantly multiply its productivity. If one female-owned enterprise can employ 62 people at its current capacity, imagine the impact with greater access to markets, finance, and support structures to foster expansion.
This is where initiatives like HerAfCFTA become crucial. By providing female entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and opportunities to integrate into larger regional and continental markets, we can catalyse not only the growth of individual businesses like Mak Nisy, but also broader economic development. Through enhanced market access and financial support, businesses like this can not only scale up but also create more employment opportunities, thereby driving sustainable development in the region.
In July 2024, the UNDP launched the HerAfCFTA initiative in Nigeria with a $1m seed investment, to promote women’s economic empowerment.
In response, Nneamaka says:
At Mak Nisy, we have spent the last 13 years not just building a business, but also fostering a community of resilience, creativity, and impact. The journey has had its challenges, but the dedication of our 62 incredible team members is a constant reminder of what is possible through determination and collaboration. The HerAfCFTA initiative is a game-changer, not just for us but for countless women-owned enterprises across Africa.
Thank you to the UNDP, our supporters, and every single Mak Nisy customer🙏🏿
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