Nigeria’s leading financial institutions are gearing up for a show of strength as the SAT Nigeria SME Awards approaches, with banks such as Providus Bank, Wema Bank, and Access Bank among the top contenders for honours in multiple categories.
The prestigious event, scheduled to take place in Lagos later this month, is aimed at recognizing and celebrating institutions that have demonstrated excellence in financing and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises across the country.
Insiders say competition will be stiff, especially in the SME Bank of the Year, Innovative SME Product, and Women in Business Support categories.
Providus Bank, known for its SME-focused digital banking tools, is expected to push its recently launched Business Support Suite, a package that includes tailored funding, capacity-building workshops, and digital onboarding solutions for startups.
Access Bank is also banking on its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton initiative and wide-reaching financial inclusion programmes to edge out competitors. The bank’s Executive Director of Retail Banking, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, noted that “Access Bank’s commitment to empowering MSMEs and women-led businesses has been consistent, and we’re proud to showcase our impact.”
Wema Bank, with its innovative ALAT for Business platform, has also earned a place on the shortlist for driving seamless banking solutions for entrepreneurs, particularly in the tech and e-commerce sectors.
The SME Awards are expected to attract key stakeholders in the finance, commerce, and startup sectors, alongside policymakers and representatives from regulatory agencies.
