Keystone Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs), declaring that it aims to become more than just a financial institution by serving as a trusted growth partner for Nigerian businesses.
The bank made the commitment during the 66th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) held in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Eucharia Ken-Agbiriogu, Directorate Head, South, Keystone Bank, said the lender remains dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through innovative financial solutions, capacity building and strategic partnerships.
The conference, themed "The Gulf of Guinea and the Blue Economy – Pathways to Trade, Investment and Security Towards a $1 Trillion Economy," attracted policymakers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, development partners and private sector stakeholders from across the country.
Dr. Ken-Agbiriogu said Keystone Bank's support for MSMEs goes beyond providing loans, noting that the bank has developed tailored solutions including GrowBeta for startups, GrowBiz for expanding businesses, and Eco-Cycle, a banking solution designed for enterprises operating in the green and sustainability sector.
She added that the bank also offers flexible financing options for working capital, asset acquisition and business expansion to help businesses scale sustainably.
"As a bank, we want to help Nigerian enterprises grow, become more competitive and create sustainable value in their communities and the wider economy. We want to be more than a provider of funds; we want to be your trusted partner in growth," she said.
According to her, access to finance alone is not enough, stressing that entrepreneurs also need knowledge and capacity development to succeed.
She disclosed that Keystone Bank continues to invest in business clinics, financial literacy programmes and entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at equipping business owners with the skills needed to thrive.
The bank also highlighted its ongoing digital transformation, saying it has continued to deploy secure and innovative banking solutions that improve operational efficiency for businesses.
Dr. Ken-Agbiriogu further pointed to Keystone Bank's collaborations with organisations such as NACCIMA, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), KACCIMA, SMEDAN, NASSI, ASBON, and KADEDA as evidence of its commitment to driving sustainable economic development through partnerships.
She maintained that collaboration between financial institutions, business associations, policymakers and entrepreneurs remains critical to building a stronger economy.
The bank also reaffirmed its readiness to provide innovative financial products, advisory services and strategic partnerships to help Nigerian businesses grow while contributing to the country's ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Dr. Ken-Agbiriogu urged stakeholders to harness opportunities within the Gulf of Guinea and the Blue Economy, describing the sector as a key driver for increased trade, investment and economic resilience.