Zedvance Finance has unveiled plans to significantly expand its lending activities to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a target of deploying N500 billion over the next 18 months to support growth-oriented businesses across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The announcement was made at the Zedvance Business Roundtable in Lagos, themed “Unlocking Growth: The Role of Smart Financing in Building Resilient Businesses.” The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, industry experts and entrepreneurs to discuss innovative financing solutions for sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the event, Group Managing Director of Zedcrest Group, the parent company of Zedvance, Adedayo Amzat, said the company is repositioning its lending strategy to focus entirely on SMEs and critical economic ecosystems.
According to him, the firm is moving beyond its traditional retail consumer lending model to channel more capital towards productive sectors capable of generating jobs, increasing output and strengthening economic resilience.
Amzat described small and medium-scale businesses as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that many entrepreneurs continue to face significant challenges in accessing affordable financing and growth capital.
He said Zedvance is adopting an ecosystem-based financing model that leverages partnerships with established industry players to provide structured credit to businesses operating in sectors such as agriculture, automotive distribution and energy.
“Rather than competing for limited opportunities, we want to create financing structures that help entire business ecosystems grow and become more productive,” he said.
The Zedcrest chief noted that active loans account for virtually all assets on the company’s balance sheet, underscoring its commitment to expanding credit access for businesses.
Also speaking, Executive Director, Commercial Solutions at Zedvance Finance, Ayooluwa Oladimeji, disclosed that the company had already disbursed about N120 billion in loans in 2025 and intends to accelerate lending activities through the planned N500 billion deployment.
He said business-focused lending delivers broader economic benefits than consumer credit by enabling enterprises to expand operations, create jobs and increase productivity.
Oladimeji assured entrepreneurs that Zedvance has access to substantial local and international funding lines and is focused on designing credit structures that make financing more accessible.
“Our responsibility is to build the right frameworks for businesses. The capital is available and ready for deployment,” he said.
The roundtable featured discussions on food security, healthcare, energy sustainability and economic reforms.
During a panel session on food and health systems, industry stakeholders stressed the need for financing models that directly support producers, farmers and supply chain operators to strengthen local production and reduce inflationary pressures.
Participants argued that structured financing for agricultural clusters and outgrower networks would improve productivity, reduce inefficiencies and enhance food security.
Another panel focused on the energy sector, where experts highlighted the growing importance of renewable energy solutions for businesses facing rising operational costs following fuel subsidy removal.
Speakers noted that access to financing for solar and other renewable energy projects has become increasingly critical for business sustainability.
The event also examined the impact of recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by high interest rates and tight monetary policy, Amzat expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would eventually reduce inflation and improve access to credit.
He identified pharmaceuticals, logistics, manufacturing and renewable energy as priority sectors requiring increased investment to strengthen local production and reduce exposure to foreign exchange volatility.
Amzat concluded by reiterating Zedvance’s commitment to supporting businesses through transparent, data-driven lending solutions.
“Our success is directly linked to the success of our customers. We only win when the businesses we support grow and thrive,” he said.
