PalmPay is taking a firm stand to address the gender disparity within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Now in its third year, the company’s “Purple Woman” initiative has become a cornerstone of its efforts to mentor, nurture, and prepare young women for high-level leadership roles in the industry.
The program works by opening its doors to talented young women across the country, inviting them to compete for a rigorous six-month internship. These roles are spread across vital departments such as product development, marketing, sales, business intelligence, human resources, and administration. By the end of the latest cycle, 10 standout participants were selected to join the company, further expanding a growing network of female professionals who have successfully completed the training.
The leadership at PalmPay is deeply committed to this mission. PalmPay CEO, Chika Nwosu, noted that while fintech has historically been male-dominated, that reality is actively changing through initiatives like this one. She emphasized the ripple effect of female empowerment, noting that when a woman is financially empowered, the impact extends far beyond the individual to benefit entire generations. For Nwosu, the vision for Purple Woman goes beyond just fintech; it is about fostering an environment where Nigerian women can thrive across every sector of the economy.
The selection process is intentionally demanding to ensure that the program delivers real value. Anthony Iweala, the company’s Head of Human Resources, explained that candidates must navigate a series of classes and tests to earn their spot. Once selected, these women are paired with mentors who provide hands-on guidance throughout the six-month internship. The ultimate goal is not just temporary training, but long-term career integration. As evidence of this success, Iweala pointed out that every single participant from the previous Purple Woman 2.0 cohort was offered a full-time position at the company—a commitment to hiring that has been a resounding success.
The initiative also serves as a platform for wider industry conversation. During the program, guest speakers emphasized the importance of confidence and the necessity of dismantling the unconscious biases that often hold women back in male-dominated fields. Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University, stressed that the industry desperately needs female perspectives to shape the products that serve a diverse population.
Kemi Okusanya, CEO of Hydrogen Payment Services, echoed this call to action. She urged the attendees to stop viewing tech as an inaccessible field and instead embrace their potential to be global leaders. The overarching message was clear: women cannot afford to wait on the sidelines for others to develop products for them. Instead, they must take charge, leverage their own lived experiences, and innovate from the front lines. By prioritizing equity and creating clear paths to employment, PalmPay is proving that when companies invest in female talent, they are building a stronger, more sustainable future for the entire tech ecosystem.
