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.

The post Trade Lenda Celebrates 4 Years of Driving Financial Inclusion for Nigerian SMEs appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The approval was disclosed in a statement signed by Gbeminiyi Shoda, the Nigerian Exchange Secretary,  on February 19, 2025.

According to the statement, the decision was sanctioned by the board of VFD Group in compliance with Section 289 (8) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.

Commenting on the importance of the investment, Nonso Okpala, VFD group’s managing director, noted the company’s assurance in V Bank’s growth prospect. He stated:

“Our N5 billion investment in V Bank reflects our unwavering confidence in its potential and our commitment to its growth. V Bank is not just a microfinance institution; it is a vital component of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. We are focused on scaling its operations, expanding its reach, and reinforcing its position as a trusted financial partner to millions of Nigerians.”

Similarly, Rotimi Awofisibe, managing director of V Bank, affirmed that the capital infusion would enable the bank to enhance its digital services and provide innovative financial solutions to a wider customer base.

Driving digital financial inclusion in Nigeria, VFD Microfinance Bank is a fully digital bank offering financial solutions to individuals and businesses.

As a subsidiary of VFD Group, it aims to provide seamless and accessible banking services through innovative digital platforms.

The post VFD Group Injects N5Bn into V Bank to Enhance Digital Infrastructure appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The event garnered participation from distinguished organizations, among them Jobberman, the Association of Elite Human Resource Professions (AEHRP), Torch and Pay, Talenture, TerraWorks, and Vesti, who converged to identify and recruit talented individuals primed for various tech roles. Ingryd Academy also had partners including LSETF, GIZ, among others.

Khadijat Abdulkadir, CEO of Ingryd Academy, welcomed attendees, expressing gratitude to the partners for their commitments towards the cause.

In her address, she pointed to the significance of the program’s evolution and role in addressing the talent gap within the tech industry.

She emphasized the program’s mission to empower and support individuals, thereby fostering opportunities for personal growth and national transformation.

She stated, “A year ago, I wasn’t sure how this journey would unfold. Yet, today, as I stand before you, witnessing the completion of dedication and potential, I am reminded of Africa’s limitless possibilities. Through empowerment and support, we envision a future where individuals consume technology and actively contribute to its creation.“

Reflecting on the growth, Ingryd Academy CEO highlighted the program’s focus on continuous improvement and the expansion of opportunities. She underlined the importance of sustained effort and dedication, encouraging graduates to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and empowerment.

Sandra Vermuijten, Team Lead of GIZ – Centre for Migration and Development, lauded the collaborative efforts driving impactful change within Nigeria’s tech sector.

She commended the partnership forged with Ingryd Academy, stressing the importance of long-term investment in human capital development. Sandra called attention to the need for sustainable solutions that go beyond just training, advocating for initiatives that bring in meaningful employment opportunities and economic empowerment.

Feyisayo Alayande, acting executive eecretary of LSETF, highlighted the essence of collaboration and progress. She celebrated the strides made in bridging the tech talent gap and outlined the organization’s dedication to facilitating an enabling environment for job creation in Lagos State.

Feyisayo noted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship, urging graduates to leverage their skills to drive positive change within society.

Among invited guests was Olatunbosun Alake, Commissioner of Innovation, Science, and Technology for Lagos State, who delivered a speech highlighting the significance of community engagement and the essence of technology and education in driving societal change.

Alake emphasized the importance of engaging with governmental bodies, urging attendees to connect with their representatives and actively participate in civic discourse.

The ceremony also featured insights from Engr Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, a Lagos Assembly member representing Eti-Osa constituency II, who celebrated the impact of education and selfless dedication to community development. Yishawu affirmed the importance of upskilling and continuous learning, urging graduates to seize opportunities and pursue excellence in their respective fields.

In a panel discussion moderated by Amabelle Diana Nwakanma, Director of Programmes at LEAP Africa, professionals from various sectors, including Audrey Odogu, Philanthropies Lead Nigeria and Ghana at Microsoft; Gbenga Omolokun, Managing Director, VFD Microfinance Bank; Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa at Google; Moyin Oke, Design Expert, spoke on the theme: “Future Frontiers: Navigating Tech Trends and Career Opportunities.” 

Audrey Odogu, stressed the significance of investment in local talent and bridging the digital divide. She spotlighted the importance of exploiting talent within Nigeria and Ghana to seize available opportunities. Odogu brought to light the potential of local expertise in scaling the growing tech sector.

As she stated, “We need to bridge the digital divide and exploit our local talent pool to its fullest potential.”

Folarin Aiyegbusi delved into the aspect of startups, emphasizing the importance of strategic tech entrepreneurship and quality assurance.

His perspective was on the need for startups to focus on quality and innovation amidst developing market dynamics.

Aiyegbusi’s comment, “Focus should be frequent on the quality of strategic tech startups,” is in line with the imperative of prioritizing excellence in technological ventures.

Moyin Oke brought a unique perspective to the discussion, reflecting on the evolution of design in the tech sector.

Drawing from personal experience, Oke highlighted the power of acquiring relevant skills and embracing technological advancements.

His emphasis on leveraging individual potential affirmed that technology empowers individuals to redefine career pathways and embrace creative opportunities.

On the other hand, Gbenga Omolokun emphasized the importance of discipline and adaptability in navigating remote work environments.

He shed light on the nuanced balance between technological innovation and human-centric approaches in the workplace. Omolokun spoke on effective collaboration and solution-oriented thinking, highlighting the effectiveness of technology in addressing societal challenges.

Audrey Odogu, spoke further on the power of partnerships and collaboration in driving innovation and progress.

She said, “We need people to come together, break things down, and collaborate effectively to address market needs.” The significance of leveraging collective expertise and resources to tackle complex challenges while unlocking new possibilities was her drive. Her insights brought to light Microsoft’s commitment to stimulating collaborative ecosystems that empower individuals and organizations to thrive in the digital age.

Folarin Aiyegbusi, reiterated the importance of proactive engagement and continuous learning in steering the changing tech sector.

Reflecting on his journey, Aiyegbusi emphasized the value of curiosity and adaptability, stating, “All of us need to be open to trying something new, to exploring uncharted territories, and to embracing continuous learning.” He pointed to aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, highlighting the imperative of embracing change and seizing opportunities for growth and exploration.

Gbenga Omolokun, Managing Director of VFD Microfinance Bank, accentuated the epic role of execution and problem-solving in driving successful partnerships.

Omolokun stressed the importance of understanding market dynamics and responding to evolving customer needs, stating, “Partnerships thrive when there is a shared commitment to solving real-world problems and delivering tangible value to customers.” 

Moyin Oke again spoke on the dual importance of internal alignment and external networking in facilitating successful partnerships and driving innovation. He emphasized the need for clarity of vision and strategic alignment, stating, “Building successful partnerships requires a clear understanding of internal objectives and external market dynamics.” 

The discussions pointed to the importance of enabling local talent, embracing innovation, and leveraging technology as a catala motivation for socio-economic transformation. T

/he graduates are well prepared to scale through the world of technology and career advancement with resilience and adaptability.

As Moyin Oke stated, “Every single person in this room is a representative of what we really do and how far we really can go as people.”

The program gradually reached its conclusion with the presentation of certificates to the graduates. It was a proud moment for individuals who had worked hard for years to achieve this milestone in their lives. Thanks to Ingryd Academy!

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