Trade Lenda, a pioneering digital platform dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion, has announced a bold commitment of $10 million to expand credit access for women entrepreneurs across Nigeria. This initiative aims to bridge the financing gap, empower women-led businesses, and promote inclusive economic growth in Africa’s most populous country.
A Four-Year Journey of Impact
This substantial pledge underscores Trade Lenda’s continuous efforts over the past four years to drive economic empowerment for underserved communities, with a special focus on women. Adeshina Adewumi, co-founder of Trade Lenda, highlighted the milestone during the organization’s anniversary event, emphasizing the company’s vision to evolve into a full-fledged financial institution to deepen its role in Nigeria’s financial landscape.
Transforming Lives through Inclusive Finance
Adewumi explained that Trade Lenda’s core mission is to democratize access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria, Africa, and emerging markets. Over the years, the organization has disbursed credit to a broad network that includes traders, women-led cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs.
He emphasized how their technology bridges critical gaps where traditional banks often fall short:
“Inclusive finance is the foundation of a thriving economy. In just four years, we have enabled thousands of SMEs and empowered women who are not just beneficiaries but active builders of the economy.”
Adewumi also shared success stories, including a single mother who expanded her provision store and a young farmer who increased their production capacity—testament to the transformative impact of accessible finance.
Beyond Credit: Building Trust and Financial Literacy
Trade Lenda’s efforts extend beyond disbursing loans. The organization invests in financial literacy programs, fosters trust within underserved communities, and develops innovative tech tools designed for inclusion.
Adewumi articulated this broader vision:
“We are evolving from being just a financial access platform to becoming an advocate for shared economic prosperity.”
Call for Support and Policy Reform
Trade Lenda’s partnerships with development financial institutions and grassroots organizations have been pivotal in reaching women who are often excluded from formal financial systems. Yet, Adewumi called for more support at both the organizational and policy levels:
“To scale our solutions, we need policies that prioritize access and affordability. Our shared goal should be a future where no entrepreneur is left behind because of where they live, their gender, or lack of collateral.”
He urged government and private sector partners to align on a vision that promotes inclusive financing, emphasizing:
“Our call today is not just for celebration; it is for strategic action. Let’s finance the future of inclusion with deliberate capital.”
Expert Perspectives: Support for Women-Led Businesses
In a panel discussion, experts underscored the critical need for institutional reforms to empower women entrepreneurs. Adeyinka Tekena, founder of Happy Coffee Nigeria, pointed out the challenges women face in accessing funds:
“It’s not easy for women in Nigeria to access funding, but platforms like Trade Lenda open doors to new networks, creating opportunities for women to thrive.”
Moving Forward: A Shared Commitment to Financial Inclusion
Trade Lenda’s announcement reflects an urgent call to scale solutions that foster economic participation for women and other marginalized groups. With strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and supportive policy environments, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its entrepreneurs—building a resilient, inclusive economy for the future.
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