Business
AFREXIM Woos Nigerian Banks On Projects Financing
African Expert, Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) has sought collaboration with the public and private investors in the country to promote and finance viable trade and project that would contribute to the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and exports for the economic growth.
Mr. Jean Ekra, president of Afexim Bank, said since Africa’s current share of world exports accounts for about 2 per cent of global trade, there is need to diversify its economies and exports away from the production and export of primary commodities.
Speaking at the 2009 annual lecture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), he said, a larger part of Africa’s poor trade performance has been traced to economic concentration and limited diversification.
“Available data confirm that trade and economic diversification were key to the rapid economic development achieved by the newly industralised countries in East Asia. Afrexim bank, in recognition of the invaluable contribution that economic trade diversification could make towards better trade and economic growth performance of African economies, deems it an honourable duty to contribute toward expansion of direct and indirect infrastructure needed to diversify African economies and export of primary commodities”, he said.
Ekra noted that in many African countries, production of export commodities constitutes the main form of activity and driver of GDP growth adding that the case is particularly strong for those economies dependent on one or two export commodities, such as oil and gas in Nigeria, Libya, Gabon and Equitorial Guinea, Cotton in Mali, and tea and coffee Kenya and Uganda.
Analysing transformation of an underdeveloped economy, he said, price movements of internationally traded goods, and the consequent variations in volume and product composition of trade, adding that these gains are traditionally measured by the terms of trade and the purchasing power of its exports which is defined as the export deflated by imports.
According to him, the issue of economic and trade diversification in Africa always climb on the top of the economic policy agenda whenever African economies are impacted by exported commodity price volatilities and their knocked-on effect on Africa’s economic trade performances.
He explained that Afrexim bank has been providing its Special Risk Programme as a comfort to non-African international banks and investors engaged in the business of financing trade and projects investments in Africa, especially those with the potential to contribute to economic trade diversification in the continent.
Under this programme, the bank, working as a facilitator and partner, shares and risks associated with African Project deals with African and non-African export credit agencies, and insurance companies that provide financial services to entities active in the business of exporting essential capital goods and services to Africa. Specifically under this programme, the bank guarantees international banks and non-African investors promoting projects in Africa, as well as those with credit exposures to African counterparts against certain country risk events,” he said.
Kolomoni Microfinance Bank has awarded grants to five female entrepreneurs to boost their businesses as part of its commitment to promoting women in business.
The initiative, organized to mark International Women’s Day, was themed “Accelerate Her Growth.”
According to the bank, the decision to support women was inspired by World Bank data, which shows that 41 percent of Nigeria’s micro-businesses are owned by women.
Delivering the keynote address, business strategist, Ebun Akinwale, emphasized that entrepreneurship requires resilience, creativity, and passion.
She illustrated this by recounting her own business challenges and highlighting the critical role passion plays in overcoming obstacles.
The event underscored Kolomoni’s mission to empower women and support small businesses in Nigeria.
Other speakers at the occasion were Odunayo Oyebolu, a seasoned entrepreneur; Victori Ajiboye, a marketing strategist with global experience; and Simi Ojumu, a finance expert.
The beneficiaries said the financial support was a validation of their hard work and a boost of confidence towards scaling through in their businesses.
The winners were selected after sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and presenting business proposals for financial assistance from the bank.
The 8th edition of the Nigeria Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Summit and Awards (Nigeria SMEAwards) is set to take place in Lagos for the first time in its history, marking a significant milestone for this prestigious event.
Endorsed by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the annual awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit driving Nigeria’s economy.
The visionary convener of NigeriaSMEAwards 2025, Adedayo Olalekan, said, “Governors from Zamfara, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Borno, Enugu, Ekiti, Benue, and Kaduna States have all implemented transformative initiatives that have greatly benefitted local enterprises.
“Their contributions will serve as a beacon of inspiration for the nation.”
Speaking at a recent press conference in Lagos, Olalekan emphasised that the event would introduce a fresh and unique approach, moving away from tradition.
“Despite economic challenges, Nigerians continue to show an unwavering commitment to progress”, he said.
He noted that the awards will not only honor outstanding individuals, but also recognise the critical role state governments play in nurturing vibrant SMEs.
“State governments have been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for SMEs, which in turn benefits both the awardees and the larger economy.
“With major banks like Providus, Access, and First Banks competing for top honors, the 8th NigeriaSMEAwards promises to be a night of celebration, recognising exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s SME landscape”, Olalekan added.
Amid global challenges such as inflation, geopolitical instability, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Nigerians continue to show remarkable resilience.
Their efforts, according to reports, have contributed to job creation, economic growth, and overall prosperity, with SMEs at the forefront of this success.
This year’s awards will recognise governors who have made significant strides in advancing the SME sector within their states.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) consultants in Rivers State have called on entrepreneurs to be focused and avoid distractions.
The experts, who were speaking on the recent developments about the change of leadership in the state, said entrepreneurs need to put more efforts in their businesses in order to break even in the present situation in Rivers State.
Speaking in a chat with The Tide, an international SMEs consultant, Amb. Larry Goodwill Ajiola, said the political moves is capable of distracting SMEs who are not grounded in their businesses, adding that “the serious minded business men and women would utilise the opportunity to increase their revenues”.
Amb Ajiola, who is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rumuomasi Co-operative and Credit Society Limited, Port Harcourt, said, “Rugged entrepreneurs look out for business opportunities in situations around them, whether good or bad”.
He reiterated that the loan facility given to 3,000 SMEs in the state revived and expanded businesses, adding that the empowered businesses should continue to push, no matter the situation.
“credit is a powerful tool for achieving financial security.
“We can only keep imagin the economic value that the over 3,000 MSMEs would add to the positive economic dynamics of Rivers State and the Local Government Areas in terms of Gross Domestic Prooduct (GDP), increased tax returns, employment creation, income distribution, and production of goods and services”, he said.
Another SMEs Expert, a business consultant and SMEs trainer, Mr. Chisom Sam-Orji, in his advice, noted that every SME in the state should realize that change is the only constant thing.
He said SMEs should also know that “tough times never last, but tough people do”, adding the need for every entrepreneur to stay focused on creating value and remain resilient.
“This is not the time to be distracted by every noise around your space, but to maximize every time you have to focus on the essentials and keep creating value.
“For some people, it may just be the time to diversify, create new products and services to serve a new or existing market. But this must be based on the facts available to you via research and market surveys”, he said.
The SMEs expert also said the present time in the life of an entrepreneur is a time to cut off unnecessary excesses that surround one’s business.
“Those extra costs that may hamper your growth in this season and beyond, and focus on just essentials.
“SMEs should find certain leverages that are available to aid their business growth. This could be in form of grants, knowledge, and other leverage tools.
“Collaboration is one big way to grow in this season. Finding ways to collaborate with like minds instead of competing could enable a product or service gain advantage in the market and beyond.
“They should also find ways to sustain and grow their customer relationship as this is key to sustaining business flow. They must seek new and efficient ways to serve their customers and gain their loyalty”, he stated.
He further called on every entrepreneur to keep building capacity and never take their eyes off their visions, adding the need to muster every courage it takes to keep building and moving forward.
Lilian Peters