Nigeria’s Zedvance targets $185 million in business loans by 2026

Zedvance Finance Limited, a Nigerian lender focused on consumer and business financing, has set a new lending goal as it looks to deepen support for companies seeking access to credit. The company, which operates as a subsidiary of Zedcrest Group, said it plans to disburse N250 billion ($185 million) in commercial loans by 2026, expanding its role in financing businesses across Africa’s largest economy.

The target follows strong growth in the firm’s Commercial Solutions unit, which has already disbursed more than N96 billion ($71 million) to businesses across Nigeria. The funding has helped companies manage working capital needs, expand operations and navigate a difficult financing environment where many small and mid-sized firms struggle to obtain credit from traditional banks.

Zedvance expands lending across key sectors

Zedvance, which has operated in Nigeria for more than a decade, launched its Commercial Solutions business in 2025 as part of a push to broaden its lending activities beyond retail finance. Within its first year, the division has become one of the company’s fastest-growing segments, supporting enterprises across several industries and strengthening Zedvance’s presence in Nigeria’s lending market.

The firm’s loans have reached businesses operating in sectors such as oil and gas, automotive, logistics, renewable energy, fintech, e-commerce, trade distribution and agriculture. Its financing products include working capital loans, invoice and purchase-order financing, equipment funding and trade finance facilities designed to help companies maintain cash flow and complete large orders.

Bridging Nigeria’s SME funding gap

Group Managing Director of Zedcrest Group, Adedayo Amzat, said the company built its lending model to address the persistent funding gap facing many Nigerian businesses. “We are proud of what we’ve achieved so far, especially the support we’ve provided to sectors that play an important role in the economy,” Amzat said. “Through solar and asset on-lending, we have helped expand energy access and created more income opportunities for gig workers by financing mobility platforms across Nigeria.”

He added that the company designed its flagship product, Liquidity Solutions, to help businesses gain faster access to credit. According to Amzat, the product allows companies to secure financing for inventory purchases, invoice settlements and import transactions, helping them manage cash flow and respond quickly to market demand.

Tech-driven financing across Nigerian sectors

Ayooluwa Oladimeji, acting executive director of Commercial Solutions at Zedvance, said the company combines technology, sector knowledge and structured risk management to deliver funding across multiple industries. “In 2025 alone, the Commercial Solutions business recorded strong growth driven by partnerships and an expanding portfolio,” Oladimeji said. “We have supported companies such as Shekel Mobility, Tradegrid, Sapphire and CredPal, among other ecosystem partners.”

He said the company plans to broaden its reach in 2026, targeting more than N250 billion ($185 million) in financing across sectors including off-grid power, smart devices, home equipment, vehicle dealerships, mobility platforms, agribusiness, manufacturing, consumer goods distribution and hospitality. For many Nigerian companies, access to working capital remains one of the biggest obstacles to growth. Zedvance said its lending strategy aims to ease that pressure by providing quicker and more flexible credit, helping businesses expand operations, create jobs and keep supply chains moving across the country.