Ecobank Nigeria has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to boost the capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Lagos State.

The partnership aims to advance entrepreneurship, expand market access, and stimulate job creation — key drivers of inclusive economic growth in Nigeria’s commercial hub. Through a mix of business advisory support, digital enablement, and enterprise development programmes, the initiative is expected to empower local entrepreneurs to scale their operations and tap into wider regional markets.

Under the new framework, Ecobank will provide SMEs with access to its range of business support tools, including the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub — a digital platform designed to connect businesses to trade opportunities across Africa. The collaboration will also leverage networking events, training workshops, and mentorship sessions to help small business owners strengthen governance structures and build long-term sustainability.

Omoboye Odu, Head of SME Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, said the partnership represents a shared commitment to reinforcing Nigeria’s entrepreneurship landscape. “MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, yet many face structural and operational challenges that limit their growth. Through this collaboration, we aim to equip them with the tools, knowledge and networks required to thrive locally and across borders,” she explained.

Oyeronke Ibidapo-Obe, Head of Agency Banking and Third-Party Partnerships at Ecobank, added that the alliance would deepen support for small businesses by combining training, mentorship, and digital solutions. “We are building a framework that nurtures scalable enterprises capable of creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to Lagos State’s economic prosperity,” she said.

Omoboye Odu, Head, SME, Ecobank Nigeria and Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, LSETF at the signing of MoU between Ecobank Nigeria and LSETF to empower MSMEs across Lagos State.
Echoing these sentiments, the Executive Secretary and CEO of LSETF, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs. “This collaboration reinforces our mission to make Lagos a hub for thriving businesses. By equipping small enterprises with the right resources, we are enabling residents to become more self-sufficient and economically active,” she noted.

As a member of the Ecobank Group — a pan-African financial institution with operations in 33 countries — Ecobank Nigeria brings extensive regional experience and digital infrastructure to the table, including over 220 branches and 50,000 agency locations nationwide. Its partnership with LSETF aligns with broader efforts to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen SMEs, and advance trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The LSETF, established by the Lagos State Government, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship through access to finance, capacity building, and innovation-driven programmes that support the state’s goal of sustainable economic development.