National Digital Strategy, Key to Unlocking Africa’s SME Growth – ‘DeRemi Atanda
Managing Director of Remita Payment Services Limited, Mr. ‘DeRemi Atanda, has called for a coordinated national strategy to accelerate SME growth in Nigeria’s digital economy. He made the appeal during a high-level panel session at the ICTEL EXPO 2025, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) from July 29–30 in Lagos.
SMEs Need Coordinated Digital Enablement
Speaking on harnessing financial technology to drive Africa’s development, Mr. Atanda emphasised that technology adoption alone is not enough without national alignment in policy, infrastructure, and regulation.
“The real conversation isn’t about how many platforms we have. It’s about whether Nigeria has a national strategy for SMEs in the digital age. Once that is defined, the role of regulators, fintechs, logistics players, and government becomes clearer and more impactful,” he stated.
Technology Breaking Barriers
He noted that fintech platforms have helped SMEs overcome geographic isolation, enabling cross-border trade and expanding market access. “A business in Aba can now serve a customer in Accra, because payment rails make it possible. That’s real change,” he said.
SMEs as Economic Drivers
SMEs currently contribute over 48% to Nigeria’s GDP and employ more than 80% of the workforce. Atanda stressed that sustained progress requires collaboration between government, private sector, regulators, and development partners.
Warning Against Fragmentation
While Nigeria has seen gains in digital payments, tech-driven services, and financial inclusion, Atanda warned that fragmented efforts and duplication could undermine progress. “We’re seeing duplication where we need direction. Innovation must be guided by a shared vision that links digital solutions to national economic goals,” he cautioned.
Key Recommendations for SME Transformation
- Integrate logistics into digital strategies to ensure fast, reliable product delivery.
- Leverage integrated data systems to improve SMEs’ credit profiles and access to finance.
- Adopt open banking to enable shared access to transaction data for better lending decisions.
- Promote collaborative policy-making that aligns technology, finance, and trade sectors.
Recognition of Policy Progress
Atanda praised the Central Bank of Nigeria’s creation of a Payment Supervision Department as a step toward greater clarity in the fintech landscape, while urging more deliberate collaboration among stakeholders.
Call to Action
He challenged participants to ensure measurable progress before the next conference. “If by the next conference we cannot point to at least one major milestone from these discussions, then we would have failed the SMEs that we claim to serve,” he said.
Remita Showcases Digital Solutions
Beyond the panel discussion, Remita exhibited its full-stack financial ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a strategic partner for SMEs, corporates, banks, and fintechs. The showcase carried the message of “empowering business growth one payment at a time” and demonstrated how the company bridges technology with tangible business outcomes.
