The event brought together diverse range of traditional entrepreneurs, startup founders, industry experts and thought leaders for a transformative experience of learning, earning, networking, and collaboration.

At the Trade Lenda Fair, a plethora of products, services, and innovative solutions across various industries were showcased. The exhibitors came from across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Kwara state, reflecting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and creativity that defines SMEs in Nigeria.

One of the key highlights of the event was the keynote address by the Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who shared his journey of entrepreneurship from 1979 till date. 

Several masterclasses were conducted by industry leaders and subject-matter experts within the SME ecosystem in Nigeria. These in-depth workshops on starting, financing, marketing and systems development provided participants with actionable insights, practical strategies, and knowledge essential for driving their business growth and adapting to evolving market trends.

The panel sessions, another feature of the event, was facilitated by notable SME brands and SMEs enablers who shared their stories, expertise, valuable insights and perspectives on subjects such as starting, scaling, digitalizing and leveraging interventions. The deep dive conversations served as interactive dialogue, sparking new ideas and approaches that have the potential to reshape the SME landscape.

Another high point was the award of prizes to the tune of N5 million to the top five winners of the pitch competition. The first prize winner (Posh Meals) also won an all-expense trip to Qatar.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and outcome of the Trade Lenda Fair,” said Adeshina Adewumi, CEO, Trade Lenda and Convener of the Trade Lenda Fair.

“The event provided a unique opportunity for SMEs to connect, learn, and collaborate. The masterclasses and panel sessions, in particular, empowered attendees with the knowledge and inspiration needed to elevate their businesses to new heights.”

He further added that “the success of Trade Lenda Fair can be attributed to the unwavering support of our sponsors: Providus, Eazipay, RedCloud, Paystack and our partners Techeconomy, Credo, Baobab+, Lagos Business School, Shuttlers, Niteon, Changera, Money Africa, LSETF, TechNext, TechCabal and TechPoint. Their collective enthusiasm and dedication have created an environment of innovation and growth, contributing to the event’s impact on the SME ecosystem.”

The Trade Lenda Fair has set a new benchmark for facilitating meaningful interactions, fostering learning, and igniting inspiration within the SME community in Nigeria. As the curtains draw on this year’s event, the organizers look forward to building on this success and continuing to empower SMEs with opportunities and solutions that propel them towards prosperity.

More about Trade Lenda

It is Nigeria’s premier digital lending fintech brand and the Trade Lenda Fair is an annual flagship platform that brings together SMEs, industry experts, and stakeholders to showcase their offerings, share knowledge, and foster collaboration., the event aims to empower SMEs with the tools, insights, and connections needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

Scheduled to take place on August 19 at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, the Trade Lenda Fair aims to empower and connect Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) while fostering economic growth and innovation across Nigeria.

“We are humbled and privileged to have former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Deputy Governor Kayode as our esteemed guest speakers at the Trade Lenda Fair.

Their participation highlights the significance of this event in driving economic development and empowering SMEs across Nigeria,” said Oyindamola Olaniyan, Acting COO at Trade Lenda.

The Trade Lenda SME Fair will also feature experts, thought leaders across the SME industry and successful entrepreneurs.

Attendees can expect to see a dynamic lineup of engaging speaker and panel sessions, masterclasses, pitch competition, networking opportunities, an exhibition showcasing innovative products and even an after party! In addition, they also get free products and exclusive discounts on products.

Registration for Trade Lenda Fair 2023 is still open, and we encourage people to secure their FREE tickets as spaces are limited.

Get your tickets HERE.

Trade Lenda SME Fair is backed by Redcloud, Eazipay Providus Bank, Paystack and supported by Kwara State, LSETF, Lagos Business School, Money Africa, Changera, Techeconomy, TechPoint, Tech Cabal, and Tech Next!

This integration marks a significant milestone towards Changera`s mission to democratize cross-border payments access for people and businesses worldwide.

Changera will now allow both cash-in services in Canada, Senegal, Uganda and Kenya and cash-out services using Circle’s stablecoin, USDC, via the Stellar blockchain network, at participating MoneyGram locations across 180+ countries. 

Founded in 2021, Changera’s business objectives are rooted in enabling seamless and secure cross-border payments and remittances for its users. Since its inception, the fintech platform has delivered on its value proposition to allow businesses across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Canada.

With this integration, Changera is taking a giant leap forward, expanding its reach worldwide as the first African-based custodial wallet collaborating with MoneyGram. Users in Canada, Senegal, Uganda and Kenya will enjoy reduced costs and faster transactions when cashing in at MoneyGram agents closest to their locations into their Changera Wallets, while withdrawals are available to existing and new customers globally.

Speaking on the integration, Ruth Iselema, the Chief Executive Officer of Changera said:

“The primary objective of this integration is to simplify the process of funding Changera wallets for users. Our solution is coming very timely because 1.4b people currently don’t have bank accounts globally. That`s approximately a quarter of the world’s population and 60% of adults worldwide work in the cash economy despite access to digital wallets. MoneyGram’s extensive network of agents will allow easier deposit and cash transfers in these regions and recipients will have unparalleled access to cash out their funds conveniently. This is the first collaboration of its kind between MoneyGram and a Fintech company in Africa, outside of traditional banking institutions. We’re proud to be pioneers of such.”

Expressing excitement about the integration, Umar Adamu, Chief Technology Officer at Changera said:

“We are thrilled that our goal to enable businesses and individuals move money freely globally is coming to fruition through this integration with a global leader in cross-border money transfers and payment service MoneyGram. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Changera as we expand our reach and enhance the user experience for our customers. We are revolutionising the way Africans engage with digital wallets, providing them with unparalleled convenience and accessibility as they on/off ramp with USDC over the Stellar network on our platform. It accentuates our commitment to fostering financial inclusion and empowering individuals throughout the continent. We are excited about the possibilities and look forward to transforming the financial landscape in Africa together.”

Direct cash deposits and withdrawals are a major step forward for Changera`s customers who can now access their funds swiftly and securely, without the limitations previously experienced.

It further underscores Changera’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion for the excluded, unserved and underserved regions in Africa and ensuring equal access to the benefits of the digital economy.

By integrating MoneyGram’s trusted services, Changera is staying true to its mission to allow users to transact without limits, regardless of their geographic locations, thereby bridging the gap underserved by the traditional banking systems and offering individuals convenience, reliability, and security when it comes to digital wallet payments and remittance.

The integration represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of financial inclusivity, reinforcing Changera’s position as a trailblazer in the African Fintech landscape.

The update which is in line with the fintech’s strategy to make money limitless and borderless for Africans globally will enable Changera users easily upgrade their account to either a freelancer or premium subscription plan and easily access their Euro, Pound, and USD virtual bank accounts on the app to collect or make payments globally.

Among the features the fintech is rolling out is a referral program to reward its users with cash each time their friends perform transactions on the app for as long as three years. 

The fintech is also kickstarting a lifestyle-themed online community hosted on the Discord app – “Changers Community” – for its users to interact with each other and catch up with trending information across sports, and entertainment, among others.

Changera, which also provides working dollar virtual cards with over $10,000 limits, and can be funded with local currencies – naira, cedis or Kenyan shillings, announced a new company look that updates all branding assets from its logo, to fonts and brand colours.

Commenting on the relaunch, Nana Afua, Head of Products, said – “our relaunch restates our commitment towards building the ultimate borderless social payments app for Africans. This represents months of work and Changera users can now do a lot more with their money on their app. We have more in line over the next couple of months, but our users can start with this for now”

Ebovi Wali, Head Changera, noted: “Our relaunch now allows us to better meet the local and international payment needs of our users. We also now serve a wider range of users – remote workers & freelancers, small & medium businesses, and African migrants – through our virtual accounts that come with dollar cards. What is unique here is that our users do not have to go through rigorous KYC, queue in a bank, or get a referee to open a domiciliary account or get a dollar card, they can do that in minutes on our app.”

The app is available for download on Appstore and Playstore.