Wema Bank Commits N2.5 Million in Grants to SMEs at Lagos Leather Fair 2025

Wema Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering small businesses by pledging N2.5 million in grants to the top three outstanding SMEs participating in the upcoming Lagos Leather Fair (LLF) 2025. The bank is the official gold sponsor of the event, which will run from June 28 to 29 at the Balmoral Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.

Now in its eighth edition, the Lagos Leather Fair is one of Africa’s most prominent showcases of the continent’s leather industry. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, designers, and other key players from across the globe to celebrate African creativity, craftsmanship, and culture through leather.

This marks the second year in a row that Wema Bank is sponsoring the fair, underlining its continued support for local businesses and creative enterprises. The bank will also leverage its premium banking platform, Prestige by Wema, to connect entrepreneurs with high-net-worth individuals, offering them access to markets, visibility, and cross-border growth opportunities.

Speaking on the initiative, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and CEO said that while funding is vital, access to markets is equally essential for small businesses to thrive. “For us at Wema Bank, we don’t simply stop at providing funding. Our motto is ‘With You, All The Way,’ and in that fashion, we walk with these businesses—providing tailored support at every stage, from financing to training, market access, advisory services, and beyond,” he said.

Also speaking on the bank’s role in supporting Nigeria’s growing SME sector, the Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business highlighted Wema’s long-term efforts beyond one-off events. “We will continue to go above and beyond in supporting SMEs, not just on celebratory days, but consistently.”

Wema Bank is encouraging the public to support locally made leather products and Nigerian-owned businesses by attending the fair. Over the years, the bank has disbursed more than N300 billion in loans and grants to MSMEs and has empowered over 800,000 small businesses through capacity-building initiatives and market access opportunities in 14 Nigerian states and international markets.

To further celebrate and support participants at LLF 2025, the bank is offering a range of perks, including cash prizes, investment options, business advisory sessions, and all-expense-paid spa treatments.

Wema Bank’s involvement in LLF 2025 reinforces its role as a key driver of SME growth in Nigeria and a consistent champion of entrepreneurship across Africa.