Stanbic IBTC, Anambra State Forge Alliance To Boost Trade, Empower South-East MSMEs
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes, Lagos
In a concerted effort to unlock the vast economic potential of the South-East, Stanbic IBTC Holdings has joined forces with the Anambra State Government to provide Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the critical tools needed for sustainable growth and cross-border trade.
The collaboration took center stage at the latest edition of the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour, held in Onitsha on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Convened in partnership with the Anambra State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the summit served as a crucial convergence point for government officials, business leaders, trade associations, and entrepreneurs to dissect the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s commercial backbone.
With Onitsha’s status as a historic commercial nerve center, discussions were strategically focused on practical solutions, ranging from access to finance and enterprise development to navigating the complexities of international trade. Stanbic IBTC’s Trade Team offered actionable insights into leveraging export opportunities within the South-East’s manufacturing and distribution value chains, aiming to bolster competitiveness and facilitate market expansion.
A Call for Synergistic Partnerships
Honourable Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry for Anambra State, underscored that sustainable economic development hinges on robust collaboration between the public and private sectors. He lauded Stanbic IBTC’s role in extending beyond mere financial provision.
“Sustainable economic development requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors,” Ebonwu stated. “Financial institutions such as Stanbic IBTC have an important role to play by providing not only access to finance but also business advisory services, capacity building, and the knowledge that enables businesses to grow sustainably.”
Stanbic IBTC Reaffirms Commitment to Enterprise Growth
Aligning with its core purpose of driving Africa’s growth, Stanbic IBTC reaffirmed its dedication to empowering Nigerian businesses. Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, emphasized the intrinsic link between business success and national prosperity.
“We recognize the critical role businesses play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation,” Nwokocha remarked. “Supporting their growth remains central to our purpose, and we will continue to provide the solutions, partnerships, and platforms they need to thrive.”
Echoing this sentiment, Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, highlighted the bank’s proactive approach to enterprise development. He noted that the regional tour exemplifies their strategy of placing entrepreneurs at the center of the economic agenda.
“Our commitment to supporting businesses is unrelenting,” Osuagwu said. “Through strategic partnerships and platforms such as the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour, we are connecting entrepreneurs to the knowledge, networks, and financial solutions needed to scale their businesses and compete more effectively in today’s evolving marketplace.”
The Onitsha engagement is the latest in a successful series, following previous editions in Katsina, Aba, and Ibadan. By facilitating these dialogues, Stanbic IBTC continues to build a bridge between high-level policy and practical business execution, ensuring that MSMEs across Nigeria are better equipped for the challenges of a dynamic economic landscape.
