Mastercard and Access Bank among top winners of Nairametrics MSME Awards 2024

Mastercard, Access Bank and other key players in Nigeria’s financial and technology sectors emerged as big winners at the Nairametrics MSME Finance Awards 2024 – an event that celebrated outstanding contributions to the growth and development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. country.

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), Nairametrics businesses contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and job creation, with approximately 48% of GDP and 80% of total employment accounted for by the sector.

Despite the loss of over three million enterprises in recent years, the share of small and medium-sized enterprises in employment increased by 3.5%. Institutions supporting the activities of these enterprises deserve recognition due to their impact on economic development.

The awards, divided into 18 categories, highlight the efforts of financial service providers, banks and fintech companies that offer solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The annual awards, organized in partnership with The Economic Forum Series (EFS), honored financial institutions and organizations for their innovative solutions and commitment to meeting the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The finalists were selected through a rigorous selection process conducted by Nairalytics, the research and analysis arm of Nairametrics, together with the Editorial Board of Economic Forum Media Limited.

Below is the full list of winners in all categories:

Best MSME Agricultural Finance

The best MSME trade financing

The best in MSME health insurance

Best insurance company of the year for SMEs

Best in SME partnership and cooperation (CSR Initiative)

The best in payment security, data protection and fraud prevention

Best in MSME Interest Free Banking

Best in MSME Finance for Women and Youth Entrepreneurship

Best in SME financial inclusion (interest-free banking)

Best in SME Financial Inclusion (DFI)

Winner: BoI-ITC (BoI Investment & Trust Company Ltd)

Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM)

Best in SME Financial Inclusion (Micro Finance Bank)

Best in SME Financial Inclusion (FinTech Charter)

Best in SME Financial Inclusion (Bank)

Nominees: Sterling Bank, FCMB

The best in SME lending

The best MSME payment/remittance platform

MSME Payment Services Bank (PSB) of the Year

MSME FinTech Platform of the Year

MSME Microfinance Bank of the Year

MSME Bank of the Year