Ecobank Empowers Nigerian SMEs Through "Oja Oge" Marketplace, Aiming for Global Reach
Ecobank Nigeria is committed to fostering the growth and global expansion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through its annual "Oja Oge" marketplace. This vibrant three-day exhibition, now in its second year, showcases a diverse range of products encompassing fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. The 2025 edition, held from April 18th to 20th, featured prominent brands such as Adidas, House of Tara, Winston Leather, and numerous other local businesses. Ecobank positions itself as the "SME-solution Bank," providing a dynamic platform for these entrepreneurs to connect with a broader market and elevate their visibility. The bank’s overarching goal is to propel these local SMEs onto the global stage, contributing to a positive shift in Nigeria’s economic narrative.
Omoboye Odu, Head of SME and Partnership at Ecobank Nigeria, emphasizes the bank’s dedication to SME success. The "Oja Oge" marketplace offers a unique opportunity for creatives in various sectors, including apparel, jewelry, and accessories, to showcase their products and expand their reach. Beyond simply providing a selling platform, Ecobank actively engages in building sustainable business practices for these SMEs. This involves instilling essential business principles like separating personal finances from business accounts, establishing robust governance structures, and implementing metrics to track business performance. These measures ensure financial transparency and facilitate accurate assessment of each business’s progress.
This year’s "Oja Oge" event highlighted ethnic designs and celebrated local artistry. The exhibition deliberately showcased traditional craftsmanship, incorporating local materials like bamboo and raffia in the event’s setup. This emphasis on indigenous creativity reflects Ecobank’s commitment to promoting Nigerian culture and showcasing the rich heritage of the nation’s artisans. This deliberate focus aims to promote Nigerian culture and showcase the unique talents of local artisans. The marketplace provides a valuable platform for these businesses to connect with a wider audience, generating increased sales and brand recognition.
The benefits of participating in "Oja Oge" extend far beyond the three-day event. Austen Asokpor, Head of Corporate Communication at Ecobank, notes that participating SMEs continue to experience significant after-sales activity, receiving inquiries and orders from customers reached during the exhibition. This sustained impact underscores the long-term value of the "Oja Oge" marketplace in driving business growth. Ecobank’s commitment to supporting these SMEs goes beyond the marketplace itself. The bank actively encourages the internationalization of these brands, leveraging platforms like the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub to connect businesses across Africa and expand their market reach.
Ecobank’s comprehensive approach to SME development involves providing not only a platform for showcasing products but also essential business training and resources. The bank equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances effectively, establish sound business practices, and access wider markets. This holistic approach aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for SMEs, empowering them to thrive in the local and global economy. The bank believes that by supporting these SMEs, it is not only investing in their individual success but also contributing to the overall economic development of Nigeria.
The "Oja Oge" marketplace serves as a testament to Ecobank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs. By providing a vibrant platform for showcasing products, fostering essential business skills, and facilitating access to wider markets, Ecobank is playing a vital role in driving the growth and global expansion of Nigerian SMEs. This initiative not only benefits the individual businesses involved but also contributes to the overall economic development of Nigeria, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the nation’s artisans. Through events like "Oja Oge," Ecobank continues to solidify its position as a champion for SME development in Nigeria.
