When Young Girls Dream Big: Nkem Okocha Supporting Communities Through Mamamoni

When Nkem Okocha, founder and CEO of Mamamoni, was just a young girl, she tragically lost her father. Suddenly, she watched her mother struggle to provide for the family, with no formal education and no access to capital. “In Nigeria, there are no safety nets,” Nkem explains. Her mother was fortunate to receive a small amount of money, which she used to start a business, ensuring that her children could go to school. But as Nkem grew older, she realised her family’s story was not unique. She saw women all around her community facing the same hardship. It was then that she made a promise to herself: once she had the means, she would help women like her mother gain financial independence.

That promise became the foundation of Mamamoni.

A few years later, Nkem began working at a bank, where she met countless women struggling to afford school fees for their children. Their stories reminded her of her past and reignited her passion to help. Determined to make a difference, she turned to her pastor, who supported her vision by allowing her to train women, regardless of their religion or background, in financial literacy at the church.

For the first seven to eight years, Mamamoni operated on a microlending model. Women received small loans, but not before undergoing essential financial literacy training. They learned how to separate profit from sales, keep proper financial records, and, most importantly, ensure the money remained in their control.

“Don’t put it in your husband’s or brother’s account or name,” Nkem advised.

The goal was to equip women with the knowledge and resources to use money wisely and sustain their businesses.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges for many female entrepreneurs. Many lost their businesses and struggled to get them running again. But instead of being discouraged, Nkem saw an opportunity. She sought partners like Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE) who would support Mamamoni in continuing to empower women. Through this partnership, the Female Agent Network, the only female-led financial network in Nigeria, was born. The network not only provided financial literacy but also trained women in essential banking skills, such as opening accounts, making digital transactions, and paying bills. It also created stable employment opportunities for young women. Through a simple and user-friendly financial application called Point-of-Sales Device (POD), Mamamoni could offer services that cater to the diverse needs of female entrepreneurs across the country. Mamamoni is now a bridge for underserved women in Nigeria, enabling them to thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys.

A Milestone Achievement

Fast forward to today, and Nkem’s dedication is being recognised on a global stage. She recently won CFYE’s Youth Business Heroes competition for creating the highest number of jobs for women and has the opportunity to showcase Mamamoni’s impact at the Sankalp Forum’s 2025 Summit.

Reflecting on the journey, Nkem highlights the crucial role CFYE has played in Mamamoni’s growth.

“CFYE does not give you funding only, but helps you to learn, become better and grow along the way,” Nkem explains.

Beyond funding, CFYE has helped Mamamoni with branding, providing essential materials such as toolkits, banners, and T-shirts to ensure female agents are recognised in the field. The partnership also enabled Mamamoni to purchase the Point-of-Sale Devices (POS), which is a major financial strain for many female entrepreneurs. Additionally, CFYE’s endorsement has enhanced Mamamoni’s credibility, attracting more partners eager to collaborate.

Today, Mamamoni is transforming lives, providing women opportunities they never thought possible. One such story is of a woman who was in constant conflict with her husband. Desperate for change, she turned to Mamamoni. With financial support from her mother-in-law, she joined the program. Now, she is one of Mamamoni’s best employees and has even opened her own small store, serving as proof of her entrepreneurial spirit and newfound independence.

Mamamoni has also made significant strides in supporting women living with disabilities. These women often face discrimination and struggle to find employment.

Through Mamamoni, they have found a supportive environment where they can work and provide for themselves, overcoming societal barriers and gaining financial independence.

Mamamoni has also made significant strides in supporting women living with disabilities. These women often face discrimination and struggle to find employment. Through Mamamoni, they have found a supportive environment where they can work and provide for themselves, overcoming societal barriers and gaining financial independence.

Additionally, Mamamoni has empowered women who were previously unable to leave their husbands due to financial constraints. By achieving economic independence, these women can make their own choices and build better futures for themselves and their children.

“Money does something for a woman. It makes her empowered,” Nkem explains.

Nkem’s advice to other female entrepreneurs stems from experience. She encourages them to seek out programs, fellowships, and mentorships that provide not just funding, but real support and learning opportunities. She urges women to apply for opportunities and not wait until everything is perfectly in place. Embracing new technology is crucial in staying ahead in the business world, and networking is equally important. Even if someone is shy, Nkem emphasises that networking can open many doors, sharing how she once had to push herself to step out of her comfort zone to do so. Lastly, she advises women to start with what they have. Mamamoni was also built through Nkem’s own money and passion in the beginning.

Seeing the real-life impact that Mamamoni creates, fuels Nkem’s passion every single day. What once started as the dream of a young girl witnessing her mother’s struggles has now transformed into Mamamoni; an impactful business that continues to uplift women through financial inclusion across Nigeria.