By Charles Okonji
As a form of showing a well-deserved gratitude, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has without mincing words, applauded one of the leading financial services company, Zedvance Finance for its sustained support offered to the Small and Medium Scale (SME) business owners across the nation, who also gave them the opportunity to benefit from its growth initiatives.
MAN gave the commendation at the Nigeria Manufacturing & Equipment/Nigerian Raw Materials (NME/NIRAM) Expo 2025, organised by MAN in partnership with the Raw Materials Research & Development Council (RMRDC).
In his speech, the Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications, MAN, Dr. Segun Alabi noted that the expo was a hub for industry stakeholders to network and exchange ideas on advancing the manufacturing sector in Nigeria.
Dr Alabi declared that MAN is equipped to execute its initiatives seamlessly with the support of strategic stakeholders like Zedvance Finance.
According to him; “We are glad to have Zedvance exhibit at this event because they are a key stakeholder to our members, manufacturers, researchers, and other raw material producers. By financing their projects, Zedvance ensures that businesses thrive, which in turn grows our economy and reduces dependency on imported goods. This aligns with the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ initiative, ensuring that we produce what we consume and consume what we produce.”
On his part, Chief Product & Strategy Officer, Zedvance Finance Limited, Ayooluwa Oladimeji thanked the Manufacturers Association for the recognition, promising that the company remains committed to providing innovative financial services that will continue to empower manufacturers and drive sustainable economic growth.
Oladimeji noted that Zedvance considers “partnerships first”, explaining that the company leverages technology, product innovation, and a deep understanding of the manufacturing industry to develop a unique set of solutions for individuals and businesses.
He said; “At Zedvance, we take a value-chain, ecosystem-based approach to solving problems. We offer financing for input vendors that serve manufacturers through invoice discounting, purchase order financing, and logistics asset financing. We also provide inventory financing so that large-scale distributors, wholesalers, and retailers can easily purchase finished products from manufacturers using our financing and payment solutions. Rather than burdening manufacturers with providing distributor financing themselves, we take on that responsibility so they can direct their working capital towards other critical aspects of their businesses.
“On Accessing Funding Opportunities for Sustainable Manufacturing”, financiers are often reluctant to fund many SME farmers and agro-processors due to the absence of reliable structures, formal frameworks, and verifiable track records.”
Oladimeji however, urged manufacturers and input providers to band together by leveraging existing groups or cooperatives to present a unified front when approaching financial institutions with funding requests.
