MAN Applauds Zedvance Finance’s Role in Boosting Local Industry and SME Development
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended Zedvance Finance, a prominent financial services provider, for its unwavering support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and its initiatives to foster industry growth across Nigeria. The recognition was voiced during the Nigeria Manufacturing & Equipment/Nigerian Raw Materials (NME/NIRAM) Expo 2025, organized by MAN in collaboration with the Raw Materials Research & Development Council (RMRDC).
At the event, Dr. Segun Alabi, MAN’s Assistant Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications, highlighted the expo as a vital platform for industry stakeholders to network and share ideas aimed at advancing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. He emphasized that MAN’s initiatives are significantly bolstered by strategic partners like Zedvance Finance.
“We are pleased to have Zedvance participate in this expo because they are a crucial partner to our members, manufacturers, researchers, and raw material producers,” Alabi stated. “Their financial support helps businesses thrive, boosts our economy, and reduces reliance on imports. This aligns with the federal government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy, promoting local production and consumption.”
In his remarks, Ayooluwa Oladimeji, Chief Product & Strategy Officer of Zedvance Finance, expressed gratitude to MAN for the recognition. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering innovative financial solutions that empower manufacturers and promote sustainable economic development.
Oladimeji described Zedvance’s approach as “partnerships first,” leveraging technology, product innovation, and industry insights to tailor solutions for clients. He outlined the company’s ecosystem-based financing model, which includes invoice discounting, purchase order financing, logistics asset financing, and inventory financing. These offerings enable manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers to access working capital without bearing the full burden themselves, allowing them to focus on core operations.
During a panel discussion on “Accessing Funding Opportunities for Sustainable Manufacturing,” Oladimeji highlighted the challenges SMEs face in securing finance due to a lack of formal structures and verifiable records. He urged manufacturers and input providers to collaborate through cooperatives or industry groups to strengthen their funding proposals and improve their chances with financial institutions.
The NME/NIRAM Expo 2025 was a three-day event held at the Balmoral Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, from August 5 to 7, 2025.