Keystone Bank, Edc Sign Mou to enhance SMEs in Nigeria

Keystone Bank Limited and Enterprise Development Center (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University have signed a reference memorandum (Mou) of reference to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), youth entrepreneurship and financial inclusion throughout Nigeria.

The signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding took place at the Lagos headquarters on Tuesday 24 June.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Nnenna Any Anys Okoro, executive director, corporate and South, Keystone Bank, described the partnership as a bold and strategic step to accelerate national economic transformation.

According to her, the collaboration underlines the unshakable commitment of Keystone Bank to enhance the next generation of corporate leaders and promote an inclusive financial ecosystem.

“At the Keystone Bank, we believe that entrepreneurship is the cardiac beat of sustainable economic development. In all of Nigeria, the MSMEs are not only businesses; they are the dreams and daily struggles of men and women determined to create value, provide jobs and build a better future. They are literally the engine of the engine of our national economy.

“Our sponsorship of the annual EDC SME Conference 2025 and support for Walk Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) reflect our profound belief in the transformative power of small businesses.

“This partnership also concerns financial inclusion, the involvement of young people, the development of skills, the creation of jobs and collaboration,” he said.

Olayemi Sule, Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking, Keystone Bank, underlined the innovative offers that customers can expect following the partnership.

“Our customers should wait for a series of innovative financial products and digital solutions specially designed to support business growth, improve financial literacy and improve market access.

Speaking also, Dr. Nnenna Ugo, member of the Edc and Head Board of Directors, Alumni Relations and Support Services at Pan-Atlantic University, expressed optimism on long-term impact of the partnership.

“We are super enthusiastic about this partnership and confident that will guide the transformation for both institutions.

“The EDC has been set up to develop capacity and provide support services for SMEs. In the past 21 years, we have formed over 350,000 entrepreneurs throughout Nigeria.

“The support of Keystone Bank comes in a critical moment while we reduce our programs and expand our scope before the 2025 SME conference and Gew Nigeria.

“The PMI Conference is a powerful platform that brings together key actors every year in the ecosystem to face the urgent problems that affect small businesses.

“This collaboration strengthens our ability to involve more entrepreneurs, provide deeper insights and guide conversations that inspire growth, resilience and innovation.

“We praise Keystone Bank’s leadership for his vision and dedication to inclusive economic growth. The bank has really distinguished himself as a champion of the company and we are proud to have them as a strategic partner,” he concluded.

As part of the agreement, Keystone Bank becomes the main sponsor of the 2025 EDC SME conference and a key supporter of The Gew Walk, a top event during the global entrepreneurship week Nigeria 2025.

Both events should attract thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, leaders of thought and politicians, offering a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge, networking and corporate empowerment.