By Providence Obuh

THE Group Head, Letshego Microfinance, East and West Africa, Mr. Tom Kocsis, has said that strategic partnerhip is  key to financial inclusion.

Kocsis said this at a function in Lagos, stating, “Strategic partnerships are key to us in delivering a compelling inclusive finance model, as such, we will be looking to partner with like-minded parties in both the public and private sectors, who can assist in building an ecosystem that creates true financial inclusion and empowerment.”

He said that the bank’s approach to microfinance is based on building capacity by educating its customers on risk so as to deliver an inclusive finance model across a growing footprint, just as he restated the bank’s commitment to delivering a broad-based financial solutions through diversification of customer segments, products and access channels.

“This growth prospects in our targeted formally employed, low-and-middle income, micro small enterprises customer segments in Nigeria bring a wealth of potential.

“Our growing investment in supporting the people of Nigeria and championing strong socio-economic development through inclusive finance is a means for us to further improve lives.

Born in Botswana, with a pan-African strategy and footprint, we remain passionate about ensuring we live true to the very meaning of ‘Letshego, which translates from Setswana to ‘Support,’” he said.

Also speaking, CEO, Letshego MFB, Mr. John Ologe, said that the country plays a significant part in Letshego’s vision of creating a leading inclusive finance.

Ologe said, “Amongst some of the investments and advancements made by the bank are greater accessibility of products for customers as well as improvement in turnaround time on lending products.

Supporting this is the greater investment into the capability of the team serving our current and future customers, as well as deeper access to necessary growth-capital.

To deliver simple, appropriate and affordable solutions, we have been reviewing our products and services as well. Also, we have been reviewing how we serve our customers. In the following months, we would be the market with simpler solutions, improved access channels and a fresh new look.

We look forward to engaging our customers, the public, our key stakeholders, including the media, as we work towards building Africa’s leading inclusive finance group, right here in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Group Managing Director, Letshego Holdings Limited, Mr. Chris Low, pointed out that most  Nigerians have access to banking services but lack appropriate products to that service.

Low said, “Our strategy is to deliver simple, appropriate and affordable solutions, focused on the education, health, agriculture and housing sectors of the economy. We are very clear on who we are delivering these to: low and middle income earners, government employees and MSMEs.”