In what is being hailed as a landmark move for Nigeria’s business community, Keystone Bank Limited and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University have officially joined forces to supercharge the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), empower young entrepreneurs, and drive financial inclusion across the country. The partnership was sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Keystone Bank’s head office in Lagos on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in a ceremony witnessed by top business leaders, policymakers, and media representatives.
The event marked a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s economic landscape, as both organizations pledged to work together to address some of the biggest challenges facing small businesses: access to finance, business skills development, and market opportunities.
Mrs. Nnenna Anyim Okoro, Executive Director for Corporate and South at Keystone Bank, set the tone for the occasion.
“Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of sustainable economic development in Nigeria,” she declared.
“SMEs are not just businesses—they are the dreams, hopes, and daily struggles of millions of Nigerians working hard to build a better life for themselves and their families. They are the true engine room of our national economy.”
Mrs. Okoro went on to highlight Keystone Bank’s strong support for the upcoming 2025 EDC SME Conference and the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Walk.
“This partnership is about more than just business—it’s about financial inclusion, youth engagement, capacity building, job creation, and collaboration.
We are committed to empowering the next generation of business leaders and fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem.”
What’s in it for Entrepreneurs and Customers?
Olayemi Sule, Group Head of Retail & Digital Banking at Keystone Bank, explained that the partnership will bring exciting new benefits for customers and entrepreneurs.
“Our customers should look forward to a range of innovative financial products and digital solutions. These are specially designed to support business growth, improve financial literacy, and open up new market opportunities.”
Keystone Bank’s digital transformation journey has already positioned it as a leader in customer experience, ranking highly in digital banking and customer satisfaction surveys.
This new partnership will further enhance access to loans, business training, and digital tools, helping small businesses compete and grow in today’s fast-paced economy.
Dr. Nnenna Ugo, EDC board member and Head of Alumni Relations and Support Services at Pan-Atlantic University, expressed her excitement about the partnership’s potential.
“We are super excited about this partnership and confident that it will drive real transformation for both institutions,” she said.
Dr. Ugo highlighted EDC’s achievements over the past 21 years, including training over 350,000 entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
“With Keystone Bank’s support, we can now scale up our programs and reach even more people ahead of the 2025 SME Conference and GEW Nigeria.”
She also praised the annual SME Conference as a key event for the business community.
“The SME Conference brings together entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders, and policymakers every year. It’s a powerful platform for addressing the challenges facing small businesses and inspiring growth, resilience, and innovation.”
As part of the new agreement, Keystone Bank becomes the major sponsor of the 2025 EDC SME Conference and a key supporter of the GEW Walk—a highlight of Global Entrepreneurship Week Nigeria.
Both events are expected to attract thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders, and policymakers from across the country. They will offer a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and business empowerment.
Keystone Bank’s Transformation Journey
Keystone Bank’s recent transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Following regulatory changes and a major legal ruling in early 2025, the bank is now fully owned by the Federal Government, ensuring stability and a strong foundation for growth.
The bank’s financial performance has improved significantly, with a surge in new account openings and a renewed focus on digital innovation, customer service, and corporate social responsibility.
The bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs and driving financial inclusion is also evident in its recent partnerships with other institutions, such as NIPOST, to extend banking services to rural and underserved communities.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to democratize banking and ensure that all Nigerians—regardless of their location—have access to quality financial services.
Quote of the Day
“When banks and business schools unite to support entrepreneurs, they don’t just fuel businesses—they ignite dreams, inspire innovation, and build a stronger nation.
This partnership marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s business community. By combining the strengths of Keystone Bank and EDC, the initiative is set to provide practical support, innovative financial solutions, and expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs—especially young people and women. In a country where small businesses are the backbone of the economy, this collaboration promises to unlock new possibilities, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth for years to come.
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