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Wema Bank has trained more than 500 business owners, exporters and trade professionals on strategies for accessing international markets.
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The second edition of the Wema Export Trade Academy focused on export opportunities, documentation, compliance, financing, logistics and risk management.
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The bank said it would continue providing participating businesses with financial and non-financial support beyond the two-day training programme.
October 1, (THEWILL) – Wema Bank Plc has strengthened its support for Nigerian businesses seeking to expand into international markets, following the completion of the second edition of its Wema Export Trade Academy in Lagos.
The two-day programme brought together more than 500 business owners, exporters, commodity aggregators, trade associations and regulatory professionals to build their capacity to participate effectively in international trade.
The academy focused on practical aspects of exporting, including identifying viable opportunities, meeting international buyer requirements, managing documentation, complying with regulations, accessing finance, logistics and managing trade-related risks.
Participants also received guidance from international trade experts and representatives of key regulatory institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
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The Deputy Managing Director of Wema Bank, Oluwole Ajimisinmi, said Nigerian businesses required access to knowledge, finance and market connections to fully realise their potential in international trade.
He said the academy was designed to bring these elements together by helping businesses understand the export ecosystem, connect with relevant stakeholders and develop the capacity needed to compete sustainably in global markets.
“At Wema Bank, we recognise that the potential of Nigerian businesses in global trade can only be fully realised when they have access to the right knowledge, the right connections, and the right financial support,” Ajimisinmi said.
Focus on Compliance
A Deputy Director at NAFDAC, Oluseyi Sanyaolu, stressed the importance of regulatory compliance and quality standards for Nigerian businesses seeking to export their products.
She commended the initiative for helping to close information gaps around regulatory requirements and providing businesses with practical guidance on meeting international standards.
Participants also highlighted the value of the training in helping them assess their businesses against global requirements.
Dele Badejo, one of the participants, described the programme as a significant step for local importers seeking to diversify into non-oil exports.
Wema Promises Continued Support
The Divisional Executive at Wema Bank, Tajudeen Bakare, said the bank’s relationship with participating businesses would extend beyond the academy.
According to him, Wema Bank intends to provide tailored financial and non-financial support to businesses as they progress through different stages of growth.
“Our intention is not to end engagement with the participating businesses after the Academy. We are not training and leaving them to navigate the journey alone,” Bakare said.
He said the bank would continue to understand the needs of participating businesses and provide relevant support to help them grow.
The initiative forms part of Wema Bank’s broader SME development strategy, which seeks to combine banking services with capacity building and market access support to strengthen Nigerian businesses and improve their ability to compete in international markets.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
