Orange Corners Nigeria has entered into a new partnership with Stanbic IBTC Bank to expand funding, mentorship, and training opportunities for youth-led businesses across the country. The collaboration was officially announced during a recent ceremony in Lagos, bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to reaffirm their commitment to Nigeria’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Orange Corners Nigeria, a Dutch government initiative implemented locally by FATE Foundation, has been active since 2019, operating as a business incubator and innovation hub. Over the years, it has provided aspiring young entrepreneurs with structured business training, mentorship, and access to key networks. The latest partnership with Stanbic IBTC is expected to significantly enhance the program capacity to reach more young Nigerians and provide more comprehensive support.
In a statement, FATE Foundation emphasized that the partnership with Stanbic IBTC is designed to deepen access to finance for small businesses, while also scaling up mentorship and training efforts. The goal is to help transform promising business ideas into thriving ventures that contribute to national development.
Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to driving entrepreneurship and empowering youth-led businesses. He noted that the bank’s ongoing work with SMEs aligns with the vision of Orange Corners Nigeria, and pledged to offer critical financial support that can help young entrepreneurs grow and sustain their businesses.
“This partnership is about catalyzing a new generation of entrepreneurs,” he said. “We want to scale, empower, and finance them in ways that strengthen the economy as a whole.”
The Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Michel Deelen, described Orange Corners as a symbol of trust and belief in the potential of Nigerian youth. He noted that the programme was always intended to be a collaboration between public institutions and private sector players, and welcomed Stanbic IBTC’s involvement as a step in the right direction.
FATE Foundation’s Executive Director, Adenike Adeyemi, said the new collaboration would increase the programme’s reach and deepen its impact by providing more robust support to young business owners. She stressed that the initiative is ultimately about fostering innovation, enabling growth, and driving job creation.
“We believe this partnership will create more opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to access mentorship, funding, and resources needed to build sustainable businesses,” she said.
Also present at the event was Jurriaan Middelholf, the Netherlands’ Ambassador for Youth, Education and Employment, alongside representatives from FATE Foundation, Stanbic IBTC, and the Dutch Consulate in Lagos. The event also featured testimonies from current and former Orange Corners Nigeria incubates, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys, the impact of the programme on their businesses, and the challenges they continue to face.
This partnership signals a growing recognition of entrepreneurship as a critical tool for youth empowerment and national development. With improved access to finance, mentorship, and structured training, more young Nigerians are expected to benefit from this initiative and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic transformation.
