This esteemed event aims to acknowledge the innovation, policy initiatives, and regulatory frameworks that promote financial inclusion and sustainable development for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Endorsed by the Office of the Vice President on MSMEs & Job Creation, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the event also receives support from significant stakeholders, including the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA), Association of Licensed Mobile Payment Operators (ALMPO), and the FinTech Association of Nigeria (FinTechNGR).
Additional partners such as Access Bank, Sterling Bank, Hydrogen, Moniepoint, Anxard Mansard, Heirs Insurance, Alternate Bank, and IEI are instrumental in strengthening the MSME ecosystem.
The MSME Finance Awards are designed to highlight both financial and non-financial institutions, along with non-state actors, that improve MSMEs’ access to funding, encourage financial inclusion, and support capacity-building efforts. This annual event builds upon the Annual MSME & Start-ups Summit, which has been championed by The Economic Forum Series® since 2018.
Commenting on the forthcoming event, Jude Ndu, CEO of Economic Forum Media Limited, stated, “We are thrilled to honor the innovation and influence within the MSME financial services and non-financial ecosystem through these awards. Since launching the Annual MSME & Start-ups Summit in 2018, we recognized the need to celebrate the institutions that are pivotal to the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in Nigeria.”
The MSME Finance Awards will recognize a diverse array of contributors, including financial institutions, government bodies, and other essential stakeholders in the MSME sector. The awards will feature competitive categories that encompass:
- MSME Bank of the Year
- Best in MSME Financial Inclusion
- Best MSME Microfinance Bank
- Best MSME FinTech Payment Platform
- MSME Insurance Company of the Year, etc
“The nomination and shortlisting process has been conducted by Nairalytics, the research and analytics division of Nairametrics Financial Advocates, ensuring an impartial and rigorous evaluation,” said Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, CEO of Nairametrics. “Our mission at Nairametrics is to empower MSMEs with data-driven insights. The Award celebrates those institutions that embody our values of innovation, execution, sustainability, and optimization.”
Ukaobisike Uzoije, the CEO of DiGiComm Enterprises Ltd, which serves as the event's support and public relations partner, highlighted the significance of the event, asserting that it plays a crucial role, “The Awards showcase the commitment to MSME growth and development in Nigeria. It will also serve as a platform for thought leadership, networking, and knowledge sharing through keynote presentations and fireside chats.”
- Event Details:
- Date: September 27, 2024
- Venue: Grand Banquet Hall, Civic Centre, Lagos
- Time: 5:00 PM