Wema Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s small business sector, describing entrepreneurs as the driving force behind the country’s sustainable economic growth.
The renewed pledge follows the bank’s strong performance at the Global SME Banking Innovation Awards 2026, where it emerged as a double winner.
At the awards, the bank secured the titles of SME Financier of the Year and Best SME Lending Product – Digital Bank, recognising its efforts to expand credit access and develop a digital-first banking ecosystem for entrepreneurs.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, stated that the recognition represents both a milestone and a responsibility to further deepen the bank’s support for small businesses.
“Small and medium-sized businesses remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. They drive innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth,” Oseni said.
He explained that the bank’s strategy has evolved beyond traditional banking transactions to building a holistic support system for entrepreneurs.
“At Wema Bank, we recognise the immense potential of this sector and the challenges many entrepreneurs face in accessing the financial tools required to scale. This is why we have been deliberate about building an ecosystem that goes beyond traditional banking and provides entrepreneurs with accessible financing, seamless digital solutions, advisory support, and market opportunities that help them thrive,” he added.
A major highlight of the bank’s innovation drive is the MSME Instant Loan, which won the award for Best SME Lending Product. The product uses a fully digital and collateral-free application process that reduces loan disbursement time from weeks to just minutes.
According to the Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking, Tunde Mabawonku, technology-driven lending models are helping to remove longstanding barriers that prevent entrepreneurs from accessing credit.
He noted that digital capabilities are playing a key role in expanding financial inclusion and enabling more small businesses to secure the capital they need to grow.
Beyond lending, Wema Bank has also developed initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial capacity. Through its digital banking platform ALAT by Wema and the women-focused SARA by Wema, the bank provides training programmes, advisory services, and integrated collection platforms to support business operations.
With more than 80 years of banking history, the institution said its long-term mission remains centred on driving inclusive economic growth through technology-driven financial solutions.
Oseni concluded that the international recognition reinforces the bank’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the foundation of enterprise across Nigeria.
