Ecobank Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity building, market access, and enterprise development initiatives across Lagos.
Announcing the collaboration in a statement on Thursday, the bank said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to support small businesses, promote entrepreneurship, and drive job creation, contributing to broader economic growth and reduced unemployment in the state.
Head of Agency Banking and Third-Party Partnerships at Ecobank, Oyeronke Ibidapo-Obe, described the partnership as a significant step toward building scalable and competitive enterprises. She said the collaboration combines mentoring, capacity building, digital empowerment, and market linkages to help entrepreneurs grow sustainably.
“This partnership creates a solid framework for enterprise development in Lagos. By combining capacity building, mentoring, digital enablement, and market access, we are laying the foundation for scalable businesses that can compete locally and internationally. Our goal is clear: to help MSMEs grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic prosperity,” she stated.
Executive Secretary and CEO of LSETF, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to expand opportunities for small business owners in Lagos. She noted that the collaboration aligns with the Fund’s mission of empowering residents to become economically self-reliant through entrepreneurship and job creation.
“This partnership is another step forward in our commitment to enabling small businesses in Lagos to reach their full potential. We are excited about what this partnership means for our beneficiaries and for Lagos as a whole, as we build stronger businesses, create more jobs, and continue to champion an inclusive economy that works for everyone,” Alayande said.
Under the agreement, Ecobank will provide MSMEs with access to business advisory services, digital tools, and networking platforms, as well as new market opportunities through the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub. The partnership will also feature SME events, training programmes, and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to enhance business structure, governance, and long-term sustainability.
Head of SME Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, emphasised that the initiative reflects both institutions’ shared vision of strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We are delighted to partner with LSETF on this impactful journey. MSMEs are the engine of our economy, but many require structure, skills, and market access to truly thrive. Our focus is to equip entrepreneurs with the right knowledge, networks, and digital solutions that help them grow sustainably. Through initiatives such as the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, our SME networking events, and capacity-building programmes, we will connect Lagos businesses to broader opportunities at home and across Africa,” Odu said.
The LSETF, established by the Lagos State Government, continues to play a central role in fostering job creation and entrepreneurship by providing access to finance, capacity development, and support services that empower residents and boost the state’s economic resilience.
