In a bold move to turbocharge Lagos’ entrepreneurial landscape, Ecobank Nigeria has teamed up with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to unlock new opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state. The partnership aims to provide business owners with the tools, networks, and guidance they need to scale, compete, and thrive in today’s dynamic market.
The collaboration is more than just a strategic alliance—it’s a blueprint for sustainable growth. By combining Ecobank’s pan-African banking expertise with LSETF’s commitment to job creation and economic empowerment, Lagos’ entrepreneurs stand to benefit from a host of initiatives, including business advisory support, access to digital platforms, and exposure to new markets, both locally and across Africa via the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub.
Beyond digital solutions, the partnership emphasizes learning and networking. Entrepreneurs in Lagos will gain access to specialized training programs, mentoring sessions, and SME-focused events designed to strengthen governance, operational efficiency, and scalability. The goal: turn small businesses into structured, high-performing enterprises that can compete on any stage.
For Omoboye Odu, Head of SME Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, the alliance represents a shared vision for Nigeria’s business ecosystem. “MSMEs are the lifeblood of our economy, yet many struggle with access to the right skills, structure, and markets. Through this partnership, we’re providing more than just funding—we’re connecting business owners to networks, knowledge, and tools that will allow them to grow sustainably and reach new heights,” Odu explained.
Oyeronke Ibidapo-Obe, Head of Agency Banking and Third-Party Partnerships at Ecobank, added that the collaboration lays a long-term foundation for enterprise development. “By integrating mentoring, digital enablement, and market access, we’re creating an environment where Lagos businesses can expand confidently—locally and internationally. Our mission is to see MSMEs not just survive, but thrive and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth,” she said.
LSETF’s Executive Secretary and CEO, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, echoed the optimism: “This partnership is a giant leap toward our vision of an economically active Lagos. By supporting small businesses with knowledge, capacity building, and access to markets, we’re empowering residents to become self-sufficient and resilient, while boosting the state’s inclusive growth agenda.”
Ecobank Nigeria, part of the renowned Ecobank Group operating in 33 African countries and major global cities, brings a network of over 220 branches, 50,000 agency banking points, and cutting-edge digital banking platforms. This infrastructure positions it perfectly to support Pan-African trade and leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Meanwhile, LSETF continues to champion entrepreneurship in Lagos, delivering strategic programs that provide finance, technical support, and business guidance—ensuring that residents have the resources and mentorship needed to succeed in a competitive economy.
Together, Ecobank and LSETF are not just creating opportunities—they’re redefining the future of Lagos’ MSMEs, fueling innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth across the state.
