BOI, GEN Nigeria Partner to Expand MSME Financing and Funding Opportunities for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

The Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GEN Nigeria) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at creating more opportunities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

The renewed partnership was highlighted during a courtesy visit by a delegation from GEN Nigeria to the Bank of Industry. During the visit, the delegation congratulated Mr. Oluwatoyin Edu on his recent appointment as Executive Director in charge of MSMEs at the development finance institution.

The meeting also served as an opportunity to formally welcome Edu as BOI’s representative on the GEN Nigeria Advisory Board. The bank holds this position as part of its strategic role in supporting Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting the growth of small businesses both locally and internationally.

Speaking during the engagement, GEN Nigeria reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Bank of Industry to support entrepreneurs through capacity-building initiatives, ecosystem development programmes, and improved access to global entrepreneurship networks.

The organisation emphasised that stronger collaboration between ecosystem builders and development finance institutions is crucial to unlocking new growth opportunities for startups and MSMEs. According to the group, small businesses continue to play a critical role in job creation, innovation, and economic development in Nigeria.

Edu’s appointment comes at a time when Nigeria’s MSME sector remains a major driver of economic expansion and innovation. GEN Nigeria expressed confidence that his leadership would further strengthen BOI’s initiatives aimed at improving access to finance and expanding support structures for entrepreneurs across the country.

Both organisations agreed to deepen their cooperation with a focus on empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs, improving access to business opportunities, and accelerating the growth of the MSME sector nationwide.

The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates in more than 180 countries worldwide, offering platforms, programmes, and resources designed to make it easier for individuals to start and scale businesses. GEN Nigeria serves as the organisation’s local chapter, working with both public and private sector partners to advance entrepreneurship development across the country.

This strengthened partnership is expected to create more opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs while supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized businesses in the country.