Fiducia Vows to Bridge Nigeria’s Supply Chain Finance, MSME Gap

Gilbert Ekugbe

A technology-leveraged supply chain financing platform, Fiducia has rolled out the first-of-its-kind solution, in its bid to catalyse the growth of Nigeria’s supply chain financing market to over N12 trillion.

Speaking at the formal launch in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Fiducia, Imohimi Aig-Imoukhuede, explained that according to International Finance Corporation (IFC) the current value of Nigeria’s existing supply chain financing sector is estimated at around N3 trillion, adding that an additional N9 trillion could be unlocked for Nigeria’s economy if Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) supply chains could be brought into play.

According to him, Fiducia is an innovative platform that connects corporate buyers, suppliers, and financiers in a digital marketplace where invoices can be financed and traded, stressing that by leveraging the credit profiles of corporate buyers, Fiducia provides suppliers access to lowest-cost financing while preserving the liquidity of corporate buyers.

“For corporate buyers and suppliers alike, Fiducia strengthens cashflow without materially impacting client on-balance sheet loan profiles. For financiers, Fiducia provides access to a greatly expanded pool of previously overlooked corporates and newly de-risked suppliers seeking financing,” he said.

Supply Chain Finance is emerging as an effective instrument to reduce financing gaps in developing markets as the current SCF supply meets only about 24 per cent of the potential market.

“Fiducia is founded with the express purpose of levelling the playing field for business owners in Africa by unlocking the value of their supply chains. Today, Fiducia is successfully driving inclusive Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by broadening financial inclusion as a wider pool of small and mid-sized businesses enter Africa’s financial markets on the same terms and rates previously only available to large corporates.

Aig-Imoukhuede disclosed that Fiducia was a game-changer for smaller businesses and mid-sized corporates, as they historically wasted resources on complex, time-consuming funding application processes that seldom delivered the desired results.

Aig-Imoukhuede assured partners and stakeholders of strictest adherence to both Nigerian and global best practices including data privacy and security supported by an effective legal framework in demonstration of commitment to trust as reflected in the company’s name.

Fiducia is the latest venture from Trium, a venture builder platform focused on digital technologies that have the potential to fundamentally improve lives. Trium sits within the Coronation ecosystem renowned for providing transformational solutions to Africa’s unique challenges.

Earlier, the Chairperson at the launch, Ms. Bunmi Lawson, said considering the size of MSMEs in Nigeria and the severe effect of big corporates’ payment cycles, the supply chain financing market remains largely untapped, adding that by leveraging cutting-edge technology, building a community of financiers and suppliers offer businesses an opportunity to unlock the true potential of their supply chain.

“With our services, companies can access immediate funds, improve liquidity, and fuel their growth ambitions, all while mitigating risks and minimising administrative burdens. But what truly sets Fiducia apart is our unwavering commitment to bringing to you transformational solutions for Africa’s unique challenges, starting first in Nigeria,” she said.

“We understand that you our partners and friends in this room demand the highest standards of quality, security, and efficiency. We have built our company with those very values at its core. Our advanced technological infrastructure ensures seamless and secure transactions, while our team of industry experts provides personalized and efficient solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. Today, you join us as we stand at the cusp of a new era in financing, where the power of technology and innovation can transform the way businesses operate. We are here to reshape the landscape, to challenge the status quo, and to empower Nigerian businesses to thrive. And we are thrilled to have you join us at the start of this exciting journey,” she stressed

Fiducia is a leading provider of financial technology solutions dedicated to empowering businesses with cutting-edge tools and platforms. By combining innovation and customer-centricity, Fiducia enables businesses to streamline their financial operations, access untapped finance opportunities, and drive growth.