DBN Launches First Regional MSME Innovation Hub in Kaduna

Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) has unveiled its first regional MSME Connect & Innovation Hub in Kaduna, marking another significant bold front-leap in building a thriving innovation-driven ecosystem for Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

The Kaduna Hub is the first of six planned nationwide, signaling DBN’s strategic shift from financier to catalyst of MSME growth.

Anchored by DBN, the Hubs will drive incubation, capital access, and scale-up support for early-stage entrepreneurs.

The DBN MSME Connect & Innovation Hubs also aim to empower Nigeria’s future innovators by providing technical assistance, capacity-building workshops, investment-readiness programmes, and linkages to venture capital.

Speaking on the launch of the hub, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, said the initiative further affirmed DBN’s unrelenting commitment to the growth of the country’s MSME sector as a critical contributor to national economic growth through value and job creation, and as the bedrock for innovation and industrialisation.

“This launch is a game-changer for Nigeria’s MSME sector. By providing accessible finance and a platform for innovation, we’re unlocking a new era of inclusive growth – empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs to shape the future,” Dr. Okpanachi stated, affirming that DBN continues to position as a strategic institution for driving investors into not only Nigeria’s innovation space but the economy at large.

DBN’s Chief Economist, Prof. Joseph Nnanna, said the launch is another testament to DBN’s impact on the MSME sector and the economy, underscoring the role of targeted finance and innovation in driving economic transformation.

“Innovation is the next frontier of economic transformation and inclusive growth amid rapidly evolving global economies. The DBN MSME Hubs will turbocharge this progress,” he asserted.

He stated further that through the establishment of the innovation hubs, not only is DBN an anchor limited partner attracting more private investors into Nigeria’s innovation economy, the hubs would also bolster regional MSME capacity across Nigeria.

“This is a historic milestone,” he declared. “We invite innovators, investors, and partners to join us in shaping Nigeria’s knowledge economy.”

The DBN MSME Connect & Innovation Hubs is a focused long-term and sustainable initiative.

By 2028, it projects to grow its network and impact by producing thousands of investment-ready start-ups, increasing participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in innovation, and strengthening regional innovation ecosystems that contribute to national growth.

“DBN’s long-term vision is to help accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable, knowledge-based economy,’’ added Dr. Okpanachi, stressing, the Bank calls for partnerships across private sector, investors, development partners, and innovators to achieve this vision.

The launch of the DBN MSME Innovation Hub in Kaduna marked a significant new chapter in a renewed effort to strengthen and scale MSMEs across Nigeria.

The event, which brought together MSMEs, policymakers, innovation hubs, financial institutions, and private-sector stakeholders, provided a veritable platform for meaningful discussions and collaboration.

The programme highlights included: presentation on the DBN Innovation Hub vision and core objectives, overview of the 12-month acceleration programme by Wennovation Hub, MSME spotlight session, launch and demo of the DBN Innovation Hub application portal, and MSME exhibition and networking engagements.