First Bank partners Microsoft 4Afrika to support SMEs
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has partnered with Microsoft 4Afrika to support Small and Medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to help them build capacity as well as accelerate digital transformation.
The collaboration will enable First Bank and Microsoft 4Afrika, host a free-to-attend event for SMEs in Nigeria, designed to promote technology adoption and skills development.
The event is to serve as an official launch of the new partnership between Microsoft 4Afrika and First Bank, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2018.
The partnership seeks to build the capacity of local SMEs and accelerate their digital transformation, by providing them with exclusive and tailored non-financial solutions. Participants will be exposed to skills development resources, access to business networks and an educational platform.
The Head Customer Experience and Value Management, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Taiwo Shonekan, said the partnership with Microsoft enables the bank to deliver a portfolio of non-financial solutions to its SME customers.
“We have over the last 125 years supported SMEs in building their businesses, whilst contributing to the national economy. This partnership is a landmark step in our quest to leverage the influence of technology in businesses, especially in today’s digital age” she said.
According to Shonekan, with the partnership, First Bank customers can buy Microsoft products at discounted rates in local currency (naira), as this would aid technology adoption, skills and capacity development among SMEs in Nigeria.
Regional Director of the Microsoft 4Afrika initiative, Amrote Adbella, said Microsoft 4Afrika is forging partnerships across the continent, with several players in the SME ecosystem, from banks to telcos, to enhance SME offerings and reach a broader audience.
“For SMEs, integrating technology into their operations is no longer an option, but a necessity for future growth and success. We are looking forward to engaging in discussions that explore how technology can extend reach to new markets and improve productivity, which results in better customer service, more competitive offerings and the ability to act with agility.
“Technology and the relevant digital skills today play such an integral role in business success. We are working with organizations to extend this support to as many SMEs as possible, ensuring that not only their success but the growth and competitiveness of our continent in an increasingly digital world” said Adbella.
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