46th Kano International Trade Fair: AltBank Reaffirms Commitment to Elevating MSMEs from Survival to Growth

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Alternative Bank (AltBank), a leading non-interest financial institution in Nigeria, has unveiled a specialized Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) support initiative featuring free payment solutions, zero-cost digital onboarding, and targeted advisory services for traders and entrepreneurs across Northern Nigeria.

The Executive Director (North) of The Alternative Bank, Garba Mohammed, announced the initiative during the 46th Kano International Trade Fair (KITF), stressing that the intervention reflects the Bank’s dedication to driving business growth and strengthening regional commerce through sustainability-focused non-interest financing.

Mohammed described Kano as one of Northern Nigeria’s major commercial hubs—an enduring centre of resilience, trade, and innovation. He explained that AltBank’s participation in this year’s fair is anchored on a clear objective: helping Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) access the tools, capital, and advisory support required to move beyond survival into sustained expansion.

He further highlighted the Bank’s unconventional approach to financial support, stating: “At The Alternative Bank, we see ourselves as a catalyst for shared prosperity. This is why we continue to seek partnerships that drive growth, uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and unlock the potential within businesses.”

Represented by Aliyu Wada-Nas, the Bank’s Regional Business Executive (North West 2), Mohammed underscored the critical role MSMEs play in shaping Nigeria’s economic future and called for deeper collaboration among key stakeholders.

“The nations that lead tomorrow are those that empower their small businesses today. Government, financial institutions, development partners, and SMEs must work together to open a new era of sustainable and inclusive growth—for Kano, for Northern Nigeria, and for the entire country,” he said.

He emphasized that small businesses remain central to AltBank’s mission of positioning Nigeria as a strong player in international trade and long-term economic resilience.

According to him, SMEs make up over 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria, employing a large share of the workforce and contributing significantly to the national GDP. Yet, many continue to face persistent challenges including limited financing, inadequate infrastructure, digital exclusion, and weak market access.

To address these gaps, Mohammed noted that AltBank has expanded its support for the sector through several strategic initiatives, including recently securing a $15 million facility to enhance its capacity for trade and commodity finance—bolstering its commitment to inclusive growth and SME empowerment nationwide.

Held under the theme “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Development: The Pathway to Inclusive Growth,” the trade fair explored critical avenues for MSME advancement, including economic opportunities, tax reforms, innovative financing, digital technology, and climate resilience.

The event also featured a special business seminar organized by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA).