The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has taken a bold step in accelerating innovation among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the disbursement of N13 million in grants to three standout startups during the 2025 Techpreneur Summit held in Lagos.
The winners—BuyScrap, Qiqi Farms, and Eco-Cyclers—emerged for their groundbreaking solutions in digital recycling, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. BuyScrap received the top prize of N6 million for its digital marketplace that connects recyclers with buyers. Qiqi Farms secured N4 million for its platform that links local farmers to hospitality and export markets, while Eco-Cyclers, an Enugu-based youth-driven recycling venture, was awarded N3 million.
Beyond the grants, DBN unveiled a transformative digital data asset aimed at reshaping the MSME ecosystem in Nigeria. The platform provides real-time, evidence-based insights into the challenges, trends, and growth paths of small businesses nationwide. It integrates DBN’s proprietary data with external sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), creating a holistic view of MSME performance across regions and sectors.
DBN Managing Director and CEO, Tony Okpanachi, described the summit’s theme, CTRL+SHIFT: Tech Empowered Movement for Naija, as a strategic pivot to reimagine the future of Nigerian business through technology. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with DBN’s AMPLIFI strategy, which focuses on sustainability, scalability, and impact-driven innovation.
“This is more than a summit,” Okpanachi said. “It’s a rallying cry for Nigerian entrepreneurs to take control, initiate change, and chart a new course powered by tech.”
Echoing this vision, DBN’s Head of Strategy, Policy and Innovation, Jeremy Dan Okayi, introduced the newly launched MSME data asset as a culmination of years of research and collaboration. He described it as a vital tool for regulators, investors, and policy makers to make informed decisions that foster inclusive economic growth.
Calling on stakeholders to rethink the financing and scaling of innovation in Nigeria, Okayi challenged tech founders to direct their talents toward solutions with lasting impact.
“This is your moment,” he said. “Nigeria is filled with untapped potential, and our youth are not just waiting for change—they are creating it. DBN is committed to supporting your journey, amplifying your voice, and investing in your future.”
The 2025 Techpreneur Summit reaffirmed DBN’s role as a catalyst for tech-driven enterprise development, celebrating a new wave of innovation that promises to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape.
