Wema Bank Empowers over 40 SMEs for Global Success

In a bid to enhance Nigeria’s economic landscape, Wema Bank has empowered no fewer than 40 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through its pioneering Wema Export Trade Academy.

Led by top industry facilitators like Dr. Bamidele Ayemibo, renowned as the “Export Doctor” and a distinguished authority in international trade education across Africa, and Dr. Nduka Udeh, founder of Shoptomydoor and a pioneer in cost-effective global logistics and procurement services, the five-day sessions delved into key areas of export documentation, compliance, financial planning, and risk management. 

Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the export process, including the financial needs of exporters, global buyer expectations, and identifying potential international buyers. 

Speaking, Dr. Ayemibo emphasised the importance for sustainable practices and real-world insights.

 “What Wema Bank is trying to do is support SME businesses within the export space and those that are trying to come in, and that is what we have been doing over the past five days. The goal is to help those already doing exports to do it in a better and more sustainable way. 

“The essence of the conversations we have had in the past few days is for them to learn and implement; some of them who are here are already exporting, and with the training they have now learned, they realised they are now doing some things wrongly and can do things better.” He said.

Division Head of Operations, General Services and BPR at Wema Bank, Mr. Tajudeen Bakare, stated that the bank is not just training and leaving them to struggle for themselves; “we are going to equip them with the necessary resources, both financial and skills, that they require. It is going to be a partnership that begins with them.”