The Economic Forum Series® (EFS), Nairametrics, and DiGiComm Enterprises have announced the headline partners for the 2024 Annual MSME Finance Awards – MasterCard and Smartcash Payment Service Bank (PSB).
This prestigious event is designed to recognize the innovative efforts, policy interventions, and regulatory support that drive financial inclusion and sustainable growth for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. Endorsed by the Office of the Vice President on MSMEs & Job Creation, the awards are supported by key stakeholders such as SMEDAN, FIRS, EFInA, ALMPO, and FinTechNGR.
The MSME Finance Awards aim to spotlight both financial and non-financial institutions, as well as non-state actors, that enhance MSMEs’ access to financing, foster financial inclusion, and promote capacity-building initiatives. This annual event is an extension of the successful Annual MSME & Start-ups Summit, which has been organized by The Economic Forum Series® since 2018.
Speaking on the upcoming event, Jude Ndu, CEO of Economic Forum Media Limited, expressed excitement about celebrating the innovation and impact across the MSME financial services and non-financial ecosystem. “Since the inception of the Annual MSME & Start-ups Summit in 2018, we felt it was time to recognize the institutions driving the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in Nigeria,” he said.
The awards will honor a wide range of contributors, including financial institutions, government agencies, and other key stakeholders in the MSME space. Competitive categories include MSME Bank of the Year, Best in MSME Financial Inclusion, Best MSME Microfinance Bank, Best MSME FinTech Payment Platform, and MSME Insurance Company of the Year, among others.
Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, CEO of Nairametrics, emphasized the importance of the awards in empowering MSMEs with data-driven insights. “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,” he said.
Ukaobisike Uzoije, CEO of DiGiComm Enterprises Ltd, the event’s support and PR partner, further highlighted the event’s significance in showcasing the commitment to MSME growth and development in Nigeria. “The Awards will also serve as a platform for thought leadership, networking, and knowledge sharing through keynote presentations and fireside chats,” he added.
The 2024 Annual MSME Finance Awards ceremony will be held on September 27, 2024, at the Grand Banquet Hall, Civic Centre, Lagos, starting at 5:00 PM. The event will feature the participation of leading institutions in the MSME ecosystem, including MasterCard and Smartcash PSB, as well as other key stakeholders.
This year’s awards program promises to be a celebration of the innovative spirit and the tireless efforts of organizations dedicated to empowering MSMEs in Nigeria. The recognition of these achievements will undoubtedly inspire and motivate others to continue driving financial inclusion and sustainable growth for the backbone of the Nigerian economy.
