Nigeria’s economic growth increasingly depends on those who see potential in small businesses. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are no longer just the backbone of local markets; they are drivers of innovation, job creation, and national productivity. That story was celebrated at the second edition of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards in Lagos — an event that went beyond recognizing individual achievements to spotlight the leaders and institutions shaping MSME finance in Nigeria.
Organized by the Africa Global Economic Forum, the awards highlighted visionary CEOs and institutions whose strategies are expanding access to finance, advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria, and building the digital and structural infrastructure for millions of small businesses to thrive.
Leadership Transforming MSME Finance in Nigeria
Excellence in leadership today goes beyond capital provision; it is about creating systems and solutions that meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs.
Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, MD/CEO of Access Bank Plc, received the MSME Finance Bank CEO of the Year (International Category) award for extending cross-border support to Nigerian businesses. Domestically, Mr. Hassan Imam of Keystone Bank was recognized for driving SME growth in Nigeria through innovative lending solutions.
The Bank of Industry (BOI) under Dr. Olasupo Olusi was honoured as MSME Development Finance Bank CEO of the Year, demonstrating how development finance leaders can convert policy into impactful programs that enable industrial and enterprise growth nationwide.
L–R: Dr. Helen Maiyegun, Directorate Head, Lagos & West, Keystone Bank; Dr. Olayemi Sule, Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking, Keystone Bank; Mr. Hassan Imam, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Keystone Bank; Dr. Abubakar Bello, Executive Director, North, Keystone Bank; and Dr. Ntomchukwu Emmanuel, Directorate Head, Lagos Mainland, Keystone Bank, at the MSME Finance & CEO Awards 2025, where the bank won the MSME Finance Bank of the Year Award and its MD, Mr. Imam emerged CEO of the Year.
Innovation and Inclusion: Bridging Gaps in Digital Finance
The awards emphasized the transformative role of fintech and microfinance in extending MSME access to capital. Technology is redefining how small businesses engage with finance and grow sustainably.
Taiwo Joda of Accion Microfinance Bank and Cynthia Ikponmwosa of LAPO Microfinance Bank were recognized for promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, with a focus on rural entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises.
Fintech innovators, including Dr. Stanley Jacob of Zest Payments, Dr. Folashade Femi-Lawal of Mastercard, and Kemi Okusanya of Hydrogen Payment Services, are building digital finance solutions for MSMEs, enabling faster, more secure, and affordable transactions that reach underserved markets.
Insurance and inclusion-focused organizations, such as AXA Mansard Insurance and EFInA, were acknowledged for developing safety nets and strategic partnerships that make MSME growth sustainable.
Building a Resilient MSME Ecosystem
Speaking at the awards, Jude Ndu, Founder and Global CEO of the Africa Global Economic Forum, emphasized that these leaders are doing more than providing capital:
“They are building the infrastructure, digital rails, and innovative products that allow millions of MSMEs to thrive, create jobs, and meaningfully contribute to Nigeria’s economy.”
This aligns closely with Stakebridge’s focus — highlighting thought leadership, innovation, and systemic impact in Africa’s business landscape.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Economic Growth
The 2025 MSME Finance & CEO Awards showed that leadership, innovation, and inclusion are inseparable from economic progress. When banks, fintechs, and development partners collaborate strategically, MSMEs scale, jobs grow, and markets strengthen.
At Stakebridge, we believe telling these stories — of leaders, institutions, and digital finance innovators driving SME growth in Nigeria — reinforces the narrative that Nigeria’s economy is fueled by vision, execution, and inclusive financial access.
Follow Stakebridge Media for in-depth stories on financial inclusion, MSME growth, and innovative business leadership shaping Africa’s next economic chapter.
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