Nigerian SMEs set for growth as LAPO MfB, PBN forge new partnerships

In a move to bridge funding gaps in the Nigerian business landscape, LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB) and Premia Business Network (PBN) have partnered to foster strategic growth and sustainability for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria and beyond.

The financial institution, which provides a range of financial products and solutions to assist micro, small and medium enterprises, and members of low-income households has announced its partnership with the global community of founders, operators, professionals, and business leaders during the recently held engagement with PBN Delegations in Lagos.

The delegation, led by Bola Lawal, a social entrepreneur at PBN, comprised over 30 startup founders, senior executives, and key decision-makers from the financial services and fintech industries.

According to the MfB, the engagement centered on fostering strategic partnerships and exploring potential collaborations to drive the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking at the event, Oluremi Akande, director of Marketing and Communications at LAPO MfB, emphasised the institution’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion and supporting SME entrepreneurs through innovative solutions and strategic collaborations.

“At LAPO Microfinance Bank, we are committed to empowering SMEs and fostering an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can thrive. Engaging with the Premia Business Network delegation provides a unique opportunity to explore synergies that align with our mission of improving lives through sustainable financial solutions,” he said.

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He added that LAPO MfB has played a pivotal role in providing financial and non-financial services to underserved entrepreneurs for over 30 years, enabling business growth and economic development.

“We look forward to leveraging this partnership to expand financial access, drive digital transformation, and unlock new growth opportunities for SMEs across Nigeria and beyond,” Akande said.

Bola Lawal, who led the Premia Business Network (PBN) delegation expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with LAPO MfB, an institution with a strong legacy in financial empowerment.

“LAPO MfB’s work aligns with PBN’s mission to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and foster sustainable business growth as we work together to bridge funding gaps, enhance capacity building, and drive impact-driven entrepreneurship in Africa,” he said.

He added that the community looks forward to leveraging this partnership to expand financial access, drive digital transformation, and unlock new growth opportunities for SMEs across Nigeria and beyond.