In a remarkable display of excellence, Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the prestigious Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards. Held in São Paulo, Brazil, the awards honored the bank’s innovative approach to financing MSMEs and fostering economic growth in Nigeria.
Okpanachi led the DBN to secure two significant awards—SME Financier of the Year (Africa) and SME Financier of the Year (Global Champion DFI/IFI Guarantee Agency) —further cementing the bank’s position as a key player in Nigeria’s financial landscape. These awards acknowledge the DBN’s role as a critical enabler of MSME development and innovation within Nigeria’s business sector.
Speaking about the achievement, Tony Okpanachi stated, “We’re thrilled by this global recognition, and it highlights our dedication to empowering Nigeria’s MSMEs. These awards reaffirm our commitment to driving impactful changes in the financial landscape.” His remarks reflected DBN’s continued commitment to bridging the financing gap faced by MSMEs and supporting the country’s economic diversification.
The bank’s success is particularly noteworthy as Nigeria continues to witness a growing demand for MSME financing to support its economic agenda. The Development Bank of Nigeria, under Okpanachi’s leadership, has been instrumental in disbursing loans to over 250,000 MSMEs since its inception, with a significant portion going to female entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved regions.
Furthermore, the bank’s efforts were recently lauded by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who commended DBN for its relentless contributions to the growth of MSMEs across the country. Shettima noted that the institution has played a pivotal role in boosting entrepreneurship, reducing poverty, and fostering financial inclusion in alignment with the government’s economic goals.
The DBN, through its partnerships with local financial institutions, has become a key facilitator of development-oriented initiatives, enhancing Nigeria’s overall business environment. Okpanachi’s leadership in this regard has not only elevated DBN’s status on the global stage but also positioned it as a benchmark for MSME financing across Africa.
With a proven track record of innovation, the Development Bank of Nigeria remains focused on addressing the unique challenges MSMEs face, providing solutions that cater to their diverse financial needs. As the institution continues to set new standards, its leadership under Tony Okpanachi is expected to further push the boundaries of MSME finance in Nigeria and across the continent.
