Nigeria’s manufacturing industry is gaining new momentum as innovative financing models emerge to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). At the heart of this transformation is Zedvance Finance, a non-bank financial institution increasingly recognized as a vital player in bridging funding gaps for manufacturers and supply-chain businesses.
During the recently concluded Nigeria Manufacturing & Equipment/Nigerian Raw Materials Expo 2025, organized by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research & Development Council (RMRDC), industry leaders highlighted how tailored financial solutions are redefining industrial growth.
Dr. Segun Alabi, MAN’s Assistant Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications, described Zedvance as a “key enabler” helping businesses reduce reliance on imported goods while advancing the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy. According to him, “By financing critical projects, Zedvance ensures that SMEs and manufacturers remain productive, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”
Speaking on the company’s philosophy, Zedvance’s Chief Product & Strategy Officer, Ayooluwa Oladimeji, emphasized a value-chain-driven approach that supports every stage of production and distribution. “We provide financing for input vendors, logistics, distributors, and retailers through invoice discounting, purchase order funding, and inventory financing. This relieves manufacturers from the burden of funding their distributors, allowing them to focus on expansion and innovation,” he explained.
Oladimeji also challenged SMEs in agriculture and agro-processing to strengthen their case for funding by joining cooperatives or structured groups, making it easier for financial institutions to assess and support them.
The 3-day expo, held at the Balmoral Convention Center in Lagos, served as a hub for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing practical solutions for industrial advancement.
Zedvance Finance, a subsidiary of Zedcrest Group, has already disbursed over ₦250 billion in loans to more than one million Nigerians over the past decade. Its ecosystem-focused strategy, which blends technology and innovative financial products, is positioning it as one of the strongest allies of Nigeria’s manufacturers.
