Ecobank Nigeria has once again reinforced its strategic commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across key sectors of the Nigerian economy. Speaking during the second edition of the ‘Oja Oge’ marketplace, Ms. Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, emphasized the bank’s unwavering focus on catalyzing SME growth as a cornerstone of national development.

Held over three days, the ‘Oja Oge’ initiative is designed to accelerate visibility for businesses in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries, serving as a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their brands to thousands of attendees. The event is part of Ecobank’s broader strategy to foster financial inclusion, cross-border trade, and market expansion for African startups and local enterprises.

“SMEs account for over 50% of Nigeria’s GDP and contribute nearly 90% of employment across sectors. As a pan-African financial institution, our commitment goes beyond banking—we’re building a support system for entrepreneurs to thrive, scale, and compete globally,” Odu stated.

Branded as “the SME solution,” Ecobank’s holistic approach to SME support includes access to financing, capacity-building webinars, and digital tools for cross-border trade, such as the Ecobank Trade Hub. These efforts aim to connect local producers with regional and international markets, aligning with the broader goals of economic empowerment and sustainable development.

“Initiatives like ‘Oja Oge’ are proof of our mission to turn grassroots entrepreneurship into globally recognized brands,” Odu added. “Whether it’s an Asoke textile designer or an Ankara fashion house, we’re enabling SMEs to go from Nigeria to markets in Rwanda, Egypt, Europe, and North America.”

The event offers free exhibition spaces to both emerging and established brands, promoting inclusive economic participation. With anticipated attendance between 5,000 to 10,000 visitors, the marketplace provides unmatched exposure and networking opportunities for vendors and creative entrepreneurs.

Odu also reflected on the origins of Ecobank’s pan-African vision, tracing it to a collective ambition by African founders to create a financial ecosystem tailored to the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities. She urged local businesses to seize the momentum, pointing out the growing interest of global investors in Africa’s emerging markets.

“We want to be more than a bank—we want to be a growth partner for SMEs, unlocking potential at every stage of their journey,” she concluded.

Through platforms like ‘Oja Oge,’ Ecobank continues to play a pivotal role in advancing SME development, supporting economic diversification, and driving inclusive financial growth across Africa.