The instinct remains the same especially when a critical role opens up: post the job, call the recruiter, start the search from scratch.

But this model is no longer relevant because the people companies are searching for, more often than not, are already on the payroll. They are sitting in roles that do not fully use their skills, waiting for opportunities that never seem to come internally, and eventually, they leave.

This is the real talent war.

The talent war is no longer about who you can hire, it is about how well you can redeploy the talent you already have.

• Linkedin Learning Report shows that 93% of organisations are concerned about employee retention, but many still default to external hiring rather than solving the root problem internally.
• Gartner’s research also reported that nearly 50% of employees say they would leave for better career growth opportunities elsewhere , a clear signal that the issue is not just attraction, but mobility.
• A Phillips Consulting survey further recorded that over 50% of professionals said they would reconsider leaving if they had access to genuine career development and competitive opportunities where they already work.

These clearly depicts that retention goal is not always financial, it is structural. People want to grow. When they cannot see how, they leave.

What AI is Changing

Internal mobility has always sounded like a good idea in theory. In practice, it continuously struggled because organisations simply could not see their workforce clearly enough to act on it.

For example, HR systems stored job titles and years of experience, but they rarely capture what people could do beyond their current role, or flag when high-performer are quietly disengaging.

This is the gap that AI is designed to close.

Modern AI-powered talent platforms build skills graphs which are dynamic maps of employee capabilities that go far beyond a CV or a job description.

They surface adjacencies: an employee in customer operations who has quietly developed data analysis skills, or a finance officer whose project management track record makes them a strong candidate for a programme lead role.

According to Gartner and Eightfold, organisations using these tools have improved internal hiring rates by 15–25%.

More significantly, career advisory tool (eg IBM’s AI-driven ) can predict employee attrition risk with up to 95% accuracy, giving managers a window to intervene before people leave. This transforms talent management from reactive to predictive.

The Real Barrier is Not Technology, it is Culture

Despite growing investment in HR Technology, adoption is slow. SHRM’s 2025 Talent Trends report shows that internal talent marketplaces are still used by a minority of organisations, even as interest continues to grow.

Yes, Technology exists. The data exists. But the culture often lags behind. One of the biggest challenges is managerial behaviour.

Managers are often incentivised to retain top performers within their teams, not to release them into new opportunities. Without a change, even the best technology will fail to deliver results.

Leading organisations should address this through visible and trackable AI platform using the ‘Talent Exporter’ metric by:

• Rewarding talent development, not just retention
• Measuring managers on internal
• Embedding mobility into performance frameworks

The Technology Gap: Tools without Adoption:

Even where systems are in place, the experience often falls short.

Many organisations have learning platforms, talent marketplaces, performance management, and workforce analytics tools, but employees continue to struggle with internal career paths.

The problem is not the absence of tools. It is the lack of integration.

Internal mobility will only work when organisations move beyond talent acquisition towards talent intelligence, where the focus is not just on hiring, but on understanding, developing, and optimising the workforce dynamic skills.

Indeed, internal mobility is not a system problem. It is a cultural and structural one.

From Hiring to Talent Intelligence

In the new world of work, the most successful organisations will not be those that hire the most talent, but those that would optimise the most value from the talent they already have. And this would require:

• A change of view from roles to skills
• Investment and usage of workforce technology for staff visibility and skill data
• leadership accountability for talent development

Over the next decade, the talent war will not be won by hiring fast but by using the tech system that would support the business strategy that make staying, growing, and moving within the organization possible.

The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos, brought together critical stakeholders from the telecommunications, technology, and financial services sectors under the theme “Digitalising West African Economy: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities for Critical Stakeholders.”

In his address, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said the telecom sector in West Africa is witnessing renewed growth, with investments at their highest since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that telecoms remain the backbone of the digital economy, enabling banking, fintech, telemedicine, education, commerce, and emergency services across the region.

Adebayo, however, warned against vandalism, multiple taxation, and Right of Way restrictions that continue to stifle expansion.

He commended the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reforms, set to reduce over 56 levies by January 2026, and urged states across West Africa to create enabling conditions for faster digital rollout.

In his goodwill message, Mr Tony Emoekpere, the president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), said that , the next ten years will define West Africa’s place in the global digital economy stressing ‘If we build the infrastructure, harmonize policies, and encourage collaboration, we will unlock unprecedented economic growth, create millions of jobs, and give our young population the tools to compete globally.

He noted that investors must recognize that while risks exist, the upside of digital West Africa is unmatched saying that this is a frontier market with the potential of doubling its digital economy contribution to GDP within a decade.

Dr. Nnenna Achife, head Commercial Business, Business Development, AfriGo Payment Financial Services Limited, speaking on one of the lead presentations, Leveraging Connectivity And Technology To Transform Card Payment System In Africa, revealed how AfriGO is powering card payments through technology and inclusion.

He AfriGo has helped to reduce operating expenses through transparent pricing and billing settlement in local currency as well as support welfare and social Intervention programs via providing access to government social intervention programs.

She added that AfriGo has been supportive of Instant merchant credit and same-day settlement ensure steady cash flow for business operations including promoting cashless economy by encouraging the adoption of affordable electronic payments options, which are (cards).

Achife said that AfriGo is instrumental for the enhanced offline payment to support authorisation where there is limited or unreliable internet access, saying that the Embedded NIBSS Quick Response Code (NQR) has been formidable for the for P2P & P2M payment and collection capabilities.

And in his keynote speech, Mr Adewunmi Adesina, managing director of Trade Lenda, the digital bank for SMEs said that there are opportunities for Stakeholders to unlock the full potential of digitalisation, we must act collectively but that Governments must invest in infrastructure and harmonise digital policies across ECOWAS.

He called for private sector players collaboration to build scalable platforms that serve the underserved adding that development Partners must support capacity-building and digital inclusion programs.

Adesina said entrepreneurs must continue to innovate boldly, solving local problems with global ambition saying that at “Trade Lenda, we are proud to be part of this movement providing micro and small businesses with access to credit through digital channels, enabling them to grow sustainably.”

Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, vice president of FintechNGR and MD/CEO of CreditRegistry, cautioned against the risk of “digital apartheid,” where millions of Africans remain excluded as “digital ghosts” from the formal economy.

She stressed the need for inclusive access to data and credit through innovative use of alternative data sources such as mobile usage and e-commerce, warning that failure to act could turn Africa’s youthful population into a lost economic opportunity.

A fireside chat led by Mr Chidi Ajuzie, the chief executive officer of WTES Project Limited, and panel session led by a robotic engineer, Mrs Racheal Anorue highlighted the pressing challenges of rising USSD costs, poor connectivity, and risks faced by mobile agents.

Panelists agreed that stronger collaboration, public sensitisation, and technology-driven infrastructure security are key to driving financial inclusion and lowering transaction costs.

At the close of the summit, participants called for:

• Protection of telecom infrastructure against vandalism.
• Harmonised and enabling policies across ECOWAS states.
• Urgent steps to reduce the cost of USSD and digital transactions.
• Greater investment in workforce training and digital security.
• Regional collaboration to unlock West Africa’s trillion-dollar digital economy potential.

The summit concluded with optimism that with sustained investments, regulatory reforms, and inclusive strategies, West Africa’s telecom and fintech sectors are well-positioned to drive economic transformation across the sub-region.

On Friday, 16 May 2025, the company gathered stakeholders at the UNDP Innovation Centre, Lagos, to reflect on a journey that began in 2021 with a mission to break down financial limitations for Nigeria’s underserved small businesses. 

Today, the numbers do the talking; Trade Lenda has supported thousands of MSMEs’ operations in over 100 markets nationwide, and over $10 million committed toward expanding access to productive credit.

We were there to witness a company that isn’t simply surviving, Trade Lenda is growing, building, and leading a movement for inclusive finance.

From inception, Trade Lenda set out to disrupt the status quo. “Our mission was to democratise access to finance for the underserved Small and Medium Scale businesses across Nigeria, Africa, and emerging markets,” said Adeshina Adewumi, CEO and founder of Trade Lenda.

“We understood early on that inclusion must go beyond slogans.”

And the company has acted on that understanding. Trade Lenda has disbursed credit to a vast network of traders, women-led cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs. Its technology has bridged gaps where traditional banks fall short. 

Trade Lenda’s partnerships, especially with development finance institutions and grassroots organisations, have enabled the company to deliver practical value to groups usually excluded from formal finance. 

In the last four years alone, the fintech company has empowered single mothers expanding their shops, farmers increasing their hectares under cultivation, and informal traders creating new jobs.

More than just a fintech, Trade Lenda is taking a policy-facing role. “We are evolving from just a financial access platform to becoming an activist for shared economic prosperity,” Adewumi said. 

Selected among 10 semi-finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize competition, 2024, the fintech company’s new vision involves lobbying for inclusive finance policies, enabling women’s economic empowerment through targeted capacity-building, and applying data-driven models to tackle poverty and food insecurity.

And Trade Lenda is not alone in this mission.

In a panel session, speakers from VFD Microfinance Bank, UNDP Nigeria, and other ecosystem players stressed the urgent need for institutional reform to support financial inclusion. 

According to Trade Lenda, over $10 million has already been committed over the next two years, targeting support for women entrepreneurs and small-scale traders. 

Trade Lenda now seeks to expand that fund to $20 million within the next three years. And in a strategic move, the company is working to become a full-fledged financial institution, deepening its role in a space it has helped redefine.

UNDP’s partnership with Trade Lenda has already provided climate and crop data to rural farmers to enhance resilience and boost yields.

“You can’t throw generic solutions at complex, local problems,” Lantana Elhassan, head of exploration at UNDP Nigeria, said. “You scale with partners who understand context.”

Inconsistent policies, climate impacts, cultural biases against women-led businesses—these were all named as threats to progress. But the resolve to address them was just as firm.

Trade Lenda’s track record goes beyond credit, the organisation is investing in financial literacy, building trust in underserved communities, and opening up access through tech tools designed for inclusion, not exclusion. Its model is a rebuttal to anyone who believes profitability and impact are mutually exclusive.

“As we cut our way forward to the next chapter,” Adewumi concluded, “our call today is not just for celebration, it is for alignment. Let’s finance the future of inclusion with intentional capital.”

Indeed, with a growing coalition of stakeholders, it looks like Trade Lenda’s next chapter could have even greater impact. Not just for the company, but for the thousands of entrepreneurs whose potential has long been overlooked.

High-cost borrowing often forces people to take new loans to pay off existing debts, creating a vicious debt cycle, particularly affecting lower-income Nigerians.

The number of approved digital lenders in Nigeria has increased by 79.77% since April 2023, reaching 311 registered lenders by September 2024. 

This growth aligns with a 329.28% year-on-year rise in personal loans, which totalled ₦7.52 trillion in March 2024, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) registers digital lenders under the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending 2022, requiring registration and approval. 

Fully approved lenders grew from 119 to 269, while conditional approvals fell from 54 to 42. The rise in consumer credit is linked to inflation, which reached 32.15% in August 2024, and the increasing demand for accessible loans through fintech.

Growing Consumer Credit and Inflation

The CBN attributes the surge in consumer credit to inflation and the popularity of loan apps. A 2023 report from Piggyvest showed that four in ten Nigerians are in debt, with 26% owing loan apps. Another study from SBM Intelligence found 27% of Nigerians, across income categories, turning to loan apps to cope with living expenses amidst record inflation. 

Trade Lenda’s CEO Adeshina Adewumi noted that “rising cost directly impacts the need to access more funds.” Similarly, Money Lenders Association President Gbemi Adelekan confirmed that “demand for loans has increased double-fold due to hardship,” with loan demand growing at 5% monthly, according to Babatunde Akin-Moses of Sycamore.

The Impact on Borrowers and Economic Distress

Loan apps are popular for their accessibility and speed. Apps like FairMoney, Carbon, and Palmcredit have made it possible for people to get quick, unsecured loans. 

According to recent reports, these platforms have collectively issued billions of naira in loans. The apps appeal because they require no collateral, have quick processing times, and are available to people without access to traditional banking. 

CBN governor Olayemi Cardoso predicted that mobile money and digital lending would drive service sector growth, with more people borrowing. 

However, Prof. Bongo Adi from Lagos Business School noted that most loans are for consumption, pushing borrowers into deeper debt. His research shows that borrowers spend their loaned funds quickly, then struggle to repay, driving them further into financial instability.

Loan Sharks and the Debt Trap

Loan apps often charge high interest rates, sometimes reaching 90%, mimicking traditional loan sharks. Borrowers face challenges with high repayment demands, hidden fees, and aggressive recovery methods, such as harassment and public shaming. What initially seems like a short-term solution can quickly spiral, leading to a debt trap that is difficult to escape.

On average, digital loan apps charge monthly interest rates of 15-30%, with annual rates surpassing 200% in some cases.

These add to financial distress and mental health issues, with anxiety and depression on the rise among borrowers. 

Poverty and Debt’s Impact

Approximately 70% of Nigerians live on less than ₦1,500 per day. High-interest loan repayments take away household incomes, forcing families to sacrifice essentials and perpetuating the poverty cycle. 

This financial limitation affects the current generation and also risks intergenerational poverty, impacting children’s future education and growth opportunities.

Regulatory Challenges and the Need for Reform

While the FCCPC introduced a regulatory framework in 2022, enforcement remains challenging due to the volume of loan apps and the complexity of monitoring their practices. 

Former FCCPC CEO Babatunde Irukera has highlighted the issue of multiple loans from various apps leading to unmanageable debt. A centralized credit information system will improve accountability by offering lenders insights into borrower histories, promoting better lending methods. 

However, gaps in consumer protection remain, pointing to the need for stronger regulations, including possible interest rate caps, transparency requirements, and limitations on debt collection methods.

Proposed Solutions: Alternatives and Financial Literacy

Expanding financial literacy programs could empower Nigerians to make better borrowing decisions. Community-based lending models, like cooperatives and savings groups, could provide low-interest options. 

Collaboration between NGOs, financial institutions, and the government could help provide affordable loans and support financial education. With these measures, Nigeria can address the risks associated with digital loan apps while providing safe financial alternatives for those in need.

Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks

• Enforce Existing Regulations: The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should enforce existing regulations more strictly to ensure compliance by digital lenders.
• Update Guidelines: Regularly update the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending to address emerging issues and close loopholes.

Increase Financial Literacy

• Educational Programs: Implement nationwide financial literacy programs to educate consumers about responsible borrowing, the risks of high-interest loans, and how to read loan terms and conditions.
• Workshops and Seminars: Conduct workshops and seminars in communities to raise awareness about the dangers of falling into debt traps and how to avoid them.

Promote Alternative Financial Services

• Microfinance Institutions: Encourage the use of microfinance institutions that offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms.
• Community Savings Groups: Support the establishment of community savings groups where members can pool resources and access funds without resorting to high-interest loans.

Enhance Consumer Protection

• Transparent Loan Terms: Ensure that loan apps provide clear and transparent information about interest rates, fees, and repayment terms.
• Complaint Mechanisms: Establish strong complaint mechanisms for borrowers to report issues with loan apps and seek redress

Encourage Responsible Lending Practices

• Interest Rate Caps: Implement interest rate caps to prevent loan apps from charging exorbitant rates.
• Ethical Standards: Promote better lending processes among digital lenders, including fair treatment of borrowers and avoidance of harassment and blackmail.

Support for Borrowers in Debt

• Debt Relief Programs: Develop debt relief programs to help borrowers manage and reduce their debt burden.
• Counselling Services: Provide access to financial counselling services to help borrowers develop repayment plans and manage their finances effectively.

The Google.org funding aims to advance AI-driven innovation across Nigeria, enabling talent development and supporting solutions that address local challenges.

Directed to Data Science Nigeria, the funding will bolster the Ministry’s ongoing AI-driven initiatives to upskill youth and under- and unemployed Nigerians, with a focus on AI skill development and education.

This grant is part of Google.org’s broader $5.8million commitment to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, emphasised the importance of this support in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation: “This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.

“By leveraging Google’s expertise and resources, we are creating opportunities to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy. This is a major step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians.”

The N2.8billion Google.org grant will support Data Science Nigeria’s work with the Federal Ministry’s AI talent development programs, including:

• DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme: To provide 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI, preparing them for careers in this rapidly growing field.

• Experience AI Programme: To equip 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators.

• Government AI Campus Programme: To upskill policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI policies are developed and implemented responsibly.

Earlier this year, the Ministry set the stage for AI integration in Nigeria by hosting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop, followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy.

This strategy aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of all Nigerians. This new support from Google.org will build on this strong foundation, further cementing Nigeria’s position as a leader in AI innovation on the continent.

In a significant step toward advancing the AI ecosystem, the Ministry and Google also announced the selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund, established by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in collaboration with Google.

The Fund will see each selected startup receive ₦100million in funding, along with up to $3.5million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions.

Additionally, these startups will gain access to Google’s world-class AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and opportunities to connect with a global network of innovators and partners.

The 10 startups selected for the AI Fund are:

• BetaLife Health: Leverages AI to predict demand and match blood types for Africa’s blood supply needs.

• Bunce: AI-driven platform that centralises and personalizes customer engagement for businesses

• CDIAL AI: Enables seamless text-to-speech and speech-to-text AI functionality in 13 languages across underserved regions.

• Farmspeak: Leverages AI to support livestock farmers with disease detection and climate control.

• Lendsqr: Streamlines lending operations using AI, empowering global lenders and borrowers.

• ProDevs: Connects global companies with vetted African tech talent through AI-driven pre-classification and job matching.

• Rana Energy: AI-powered energy management optimising sustainable power for underserved users.

• SaaSPro Health: AI-driven healthcare documentation with tailored tools for Nigerian doctors.

• Towntalk: Leverages AI to provide contextual security insights for African communities, empowering informed decision making.

• Trade Lenda:  Streamlines credit analysis for MSMEs using AI, facilitating access to financing.

By focusing on sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance, the startups will play a crucial role in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable economic growth through AI.

Matt Brittin, president of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, shared Google’s commitment to Africa’s innovation ecosystem:

“Across Africa, entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of technology, including AI, to address large-scale societal challenges. Google remains committed to supporting these innovators, helping them expand their impact across the continent and beyond. Our work in Africa has always been about unlocking the digital economy’s benefits for more people, and this collaboration continues that mission.”

This initiative aligns with a broader report highlighting the economic potential of AI in Nigeria. According to recent findings from Public First, Artificial Intelligence could add as much as $15billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030.

By equipping local entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools, resources, and training needed to leverage AI, this initiative seeks to harness that potential, further reinforcing why this collaboration is vital for Nigeria’s digital future.

It builds on Google’s N1.2billion commitment to Nigeria, announced in 2023, aimed at empowering 20,000 Nigerians through digital skills and economic growth programs.

Through this support, the Ministry, alongside Google, aims to build a sustainable AI ecosystem that will not only foster innovation but also drive economic and social impact across Nigeria.

Each of these innovative teams has been awarded $100,000 in funding as they move forward in the competition, which aims to address financial inclusion challenges across emerging and frontier markets.

The selected startups come from a diverse range of financial technologies, offering solutions aimed at bridging the financial inclusion gap for underserved communities. 

These semifinalists will showcase their innovations at the Milken Institute’s Middle East and Africa Summit, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from December 5-6, 2024. 

During the summit, the teams will pitch their solutions to a panel of experts, competing for a chance to secure a spot in the final round of the competition.

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech offers a total of $2 million in awards, with the ultimate Grand Prize of $1 million to be announced in May 2025 at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference in Los Angeles. 

The focus of this year’s competition is on advancing financial inclusion for marginalised populations, with an emphasis on scalability, sustainability, and tangible impact.

The 10 Semifinalists are as follows:

1. AZA Finance (Kenya)
   Led by Caroline Shiku Njathi, AZA Finance provides low-cost, secure financial services, such as currency exchange and payments, for businesses across major currencies, addressing the financial needs of businesses in Africa.
2. Chapa (Ethiopia)
   Headed by Nael Teklehaimanot, Chapa offers an online payment gateway with a developer-friendly API that simplifies payment integration for Ethiopian businesses, making it easier for companies to process payments online.
3. Chumz (Kenya)
   Led by Sam Njuguna, Chumz is a savings platform that utilises gamification and behavioural psychology to encourage low-cost savings, helping individuals manage their finances more effectively.
4. Farmpawa (Uganda)
   Under the leadership of Moses Eteku, Farmpawa connects investors to farming assets through its crowd farming platform, empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural growth in Uganda.
5. Flow Global (United Kingdom)
   Michael Rothe’s Flow Global is a liquidity engine aimed at assisting retail merchants by providing the working capital solutions they need to thrive in the digital economy.
6. Paycloud by Lipa Later (Kenya)
   Paycloud is a digital banking solution designed to address late payments in Africa. Led by Eric Muli, the company offers seamless payment processing, automated invoicing, and financial tools to help businesses streamline their financial operations.
7. Nyla Bank (Ghana)
   Led by Mubarak Sumaila, Nyla Bank is Africa’s first digital Islamic bank, offering Shariah-compliant financial products designed to empower over a billion people with ethical, innovative banking solutions.
8. Oze (Ghana)
   Headed by Meghan McCormick, Oze focuses on digital lending, providing SMEs in Africa with tools to digitise financial data and helping banks better assess credit risk for lending.
9. Trade Lenda (Nigeria)
   Led by Adeshina Adewumi, Trade Lenda is a banking platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering quick loan access and micro-savings solutions to help businesses achieve their financial goals.
10. Verto (United Kingdom)
    Under the leadership of Rachel Coombs, Verto is a B2B cross-border payments platform designed to serve businesses in emerging markets. The platform handles 49 currencies and streamlines transactions, reducing intermediary fees and accelerating settlement times.

Over the coming months, the semifinalist teams will be testing and refining their solutions, which will be judged based on their potential impact, scalability, and sustainability. 

The teams will now prepare for their Innovation Showcase in December and the global spotlight is on their ability to provide lasting solutions that expand access to essential financial tools and services for underserved populations.

This grants Trade Lenda the opportunity to compete for a $1 million grand prize which will help the startup further enhance its services and expand its impact across Africa, continually driving financial inclusion for SMEs.

Adeshina Adewumi, founder of Trade Lenda, said: “This is a validation of our work, our team’s commitment to driving inclusive access to finance for all SMEs in Africa regardless of their gender or background, starting with Nigeria.”

The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is a global competition that aims to accelerate financial inclusion and economic development. Trade Lenda will now participate in the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Conference, which will be held in Abu Dhabi from December 5-8, 2024. 

This event will enable the company to share its mission and achievements with global stakeholders committed to the development of Africa and other emerging markets.

Adeshina Adewumi also noted what the $1 million grand prize could mean for Trade Lenda: “The final, all things being equal, would see us compete for the grand prize of $1 million to enable us to accelerate our distribution channels, strengthen our people and technology, as well as give us an edge to negotiate lower rates for the SMEs we support across our markets.”

Trade Lenda offers a range of services designed to the needs of SMEs, including short-term loans, investment opportunities, and utility payment solutions. 

The company’s loan application process is developed to be simple and accessible, requiring only a BVN number for a quick credit score assessment.

One of the company’s outstanding services is its diverse financing solutions for different sectors, including general merchandise commerce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), clean energy projects, and agricultural commodities. 

This focus on sector-specific support has earned Trade Lenda the trust of over 24,000 SMEs and merchants, with monthly disbursements exceeding ₦1 billion. The company’s financial products range from working capital financing and local purchase order financing to Islamic financing options like Murabaha and Musharakah.

Going further, Trade Lenda aims to continue its mission of driving financial inclusion for SMEs across Africa. The company’s long-term vision aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty alleviation, gender equality, and economic growth. 

With this recent achievement in the Milken-Motsepe Prize competition, Trade Lenda aims to take its innovative solutions to the next level, potentially contributing to the creation of 1 million jobs across Africa by 2027.

Building on the triumph of the Lagos edition, the Kwara Trade Lenda Fair is set to be a pivotal event, showcasing a dedication to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fostering economic growth in Kwara State.

The Fair will be attended by special guests including Minister of Youth, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, Commissioner for Water Resources, Kwara State, Honourable Usman Lade, Commissioner for Business innovation and Technology, Kwara State, Honourable Damilola Yusuf, Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Oyo State, Honourable Wasilat Adegoke and Commissioner for Social Development, Honourable Afolashade Kemi.

Attendees and vendors can expect the following highlights from the Fair:

SME Empowerment: The fair is designed as a robust platform bringing together a diverse array of SMEs from various industries.

Through interactive exhibitions, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services, gain valuable insights, and foster collaboration.

Exclusive Masterclass: Participants gain access to an exclusive Masterclass, providing practical knowledge and skills to empower SMEs, while relieving them of the financial burden of exhibition fees.

Pitch Competition: Entrepreneurs can feature in the Pitch Competition to showcase their innovation and business acumen and stand a chance to win N1Million.

Games and Entertainment: Beyond business, attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere with games, music, and other side attractions, adding an exciting dimension to the overall experience.

Discounts: Attendees can also expect to get massive discounts on the best products in Kwara state.

Speaking on the fair, Oyindamola Olaniyan, Chief Operating Officer, Trade Lenda said:

“We are elated to unveil the Kwara Trade Lenda Fair, the second edition of Trade Lenda Fair in Kwara State. This isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a transformative force for economic empowerment, where Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) take center stage. By uniting businesses, visionary innovators, and enthusiastic attendees, we are creating an immersive experience that goes beyond commerce—a vibrant ecosystem igniting growth for SMEs in Kwara State.” 

More about Trade Lenda

Trade Lenda Fair as a Platform for SMEs to Start, Scale and Soar

Trade Lenda, is a digital bank for SMEs and is committed to facilitating their growth journey.

Its mission is to empower SMEs by enhancing their financial accessibility, making them bankable, and providing seamless access to a range of vital financial services, including credit, insurance, investment, and micro-savings.

Rooted in the vision of driving economic growth and fostering innovation, the startup actively cultivates a thriving ecosystem that serves as a catalyst for the success of SMEs.

The company is dedicated to being the pivotal force propelling SMEs towards sustained success in a dynamic business landscape.

Scheduled to take place on August 19, the Trade Lenda SME Fair is Nigeria’s largest gathering of SMEs, industry leaders, and government representatives. This sponsorship reflects Kwara State’s dedication to empowering local businesses and fostering economic progress in the region.

Kwara State Government recognizes the crucial role played by SMEs in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities. By sponsoring 5 exceptional entrepreneurs to attend the Trade Lenda SME Fair, the state aims to provide them with a valuable platform to showcase their innovative products and services.

The Trade Lenda SME Fair offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with industry experts, potential partners, and a diverse audience of potential customers. By participating in the Fair, sponsored entrepreneurs will gain valuable insights, establish valuable business relationships, and expand their networks.

Attendees can expect to see diverse SMEs with innovative products, as well exclusive discounts on these products.

Registration for Fair is still on, and we encourage people to secure their FREE tickets as free early bird tickets close by 12pm on August 9,2023.

Get your tickets HERE.

The nomination places Trade Lenda amongst the top business leaders in the world, highlighting its innovation, growth, and global impact.

The Go Global Awards are a prominent international event, judged by government officials from over 28 countries alongside influential industry leaders across a spectrum of industries.

The Awards attract companies from around the globe, celebrating their accomplishments and fostering global business connections. 

“The nomination for the Go Global Awards is a tremendous honor for Trade Lenda. It reaffirms our commitment to revolutionizing financial services for SMEs and empowering entrepreneurs globally and making a positive impact,” said Adeshina Adewumi, Co-founder of Trade Lenda.

“Last year, we were privileged to receive a Go Global Award for Trade Finance, hosted by the Estonia Chamber of Commerce. These accolades inspire us to continue innovating and delivering exceptional financial solutions to businesses.”

Trade Lenda’s nomination for the Go Global Awards underscores its commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering international collaboration.

As a contender for this prestigious award, Trade Lenda looks forward to further expanding its global footprint and showcasing its exceptional products and services to a worldwide audience.

The shortlisting process will take place on the 15th of July 2023, and the finalist rounds are scheduled from the 6th to the 8th of November 2023 in Providence, Rhode Island.

The event will be hosted by the Secretary of Commerce of Rhode Island, Elizabeth M. Tanner, who will preside over a series of events, including in-person judging, panel discussions, B2B meetings, and a gala dinner to honor the participants.

Trade Lenda is a digital bank focused on driving growth for SMEs and farmers. Using Trade Lenda’s Technology these parties  can easily access  innovative financial solutions  including micro savings, business loans, bill payments, airtime, insurance, and investment opportunities to grow and scale their businesses.

With a focus on empowering entrepreneurs and driving economic growth, Trade Lenda is revolutionizing the way small businesses access vital financial services.