The Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GEN Nigeria) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have moved to strengthen their partnership to empower entrepreneurs through training, support programmes, and improved access to funding and opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
The renewed commitment was highlighted during a courtesy visit by GEN Nigeria to the Bank of Industry, where discussions focused on expanding collaboration aimed at supporting startups and small businesses to grow, scale and contribute to job creation nationwide.
During the visit, the GEN Nigeria delegation also congratulated Mr Oluwatoyin Edu on his recent appointment as Executive Director in charge of MSMEs at the Bank of Industry. Edu has also been formally welcomed as BOI’s representative on the GEN Nigeria Advisory Board, reinforcing the institution’s strategic role in Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Speaking during the meeting, representatives of GEN Nigeria emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between ecosystem builders and development finance institutions in supporting entrepreneurs.
“Partnerships like this are essential for expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthening the support systems available to startups and MSMEs across the country,” the organisation said.
GEN Nigeria noted that through the strengthened collaboration, both organisations will focus on capacity-building initiatives, ecosystem development programmes and providing entrepreneurs with greater access to the global entrepreneurship network and other business growth platforms.
According to the organisation, such efforts are expected to help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, improve access to funding opportunities and scale their ventures more effectively.
Edu described the collaboration as an important step towards strengthening support for Nigerian entrepreneurs and deepening access to finance for small businesses.
“The MSME sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth and innovation. Strengthening partnerships that support entrepreneurs will help unlock new opportunities for startups and small businesses,” he said.
GEN Nigeria operates as the Nigerian chapter of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, which is present in more than 180 countries and works with public and private sector partners to support entrepreneurship development worldwide.
