By Dickson Omobola

WEMA Bank has partnered with Naija Brand Chick, NBC, and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, to promote inter-continental trade and empower women in business.

The partnership would bridge the gap between Nigerian exporters and the global market, facilitate foreign exchange collections and drive socio-economic transformation for women in Nigeria.

Addressing newsmen at a briefing to announce the trade fair, which would be held between August 17 and 18 in London, the Divisional Head, Retail and SME of Wema Bank, Ayodele Olojede, said the partnership seeks to address the challenges faced by women in international trade, where only 15 per cent of businesses engaged in international trade are led by women, according to the World Trade Organisation, WTO.

He said: “In Africa, women only produce one-fourth of the total generated exported value, despite making up 50 per cent of the population. As a purveyor of wealth for over eight decades, we understand that the economic prosperity of our people is directly related to ours. Africa, especially Nigeria, can only grow if we trade amongst ourselves and with other countries, regions, and continents.

“Through this partnership, we aim to increase investment, integrate Nigerian exporters into the global value chain, and facilitate foreign exchange collections using digital collection tools. The partnership will also provide shared market insights, business networking opportunities, and financing to support women in business.

“Wema Bank’s approach is holistic, addressing trade facilitation, business networking, investment opportunities, digitalization, and financing. The bank’s digital platforms, such as ALATPay, POS Terminals, Decals, and ALAT For Business, will provide seamless financial services to support businesses. When people ask us why this partnership, our answer remains the same: To be the dominant digital platform in Africa delivering seamless financial services.”

On her part, Convener of Naija Brand Chick Trade fair, Nelly Agbogu, said: “Wema Bank understands what our goals are and our passion to help SMEs to not only sell and network but also to scale their business even globally. Wema Bank has been so nice to us. When we decided to go to London, we weren’t sure but Wema Bank said it could happen. Now, we have a date which is August 17 and 18 at the Intercontinental 02 Hotel in London.”

Also speaking, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odili said: “We want to create more local jobs, continue to support local entrepreneurs. We are doing this to ensure that everyone who is going to be exhibiting gets to London. The biggest problem for small businesses is access. We are working with relevant government agencies to ensure that all the small businesses get all the support they need.”