Partnership targets access to affordable finance

The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Africa Global Economic Forum (AGEF) have unveiled a strategic partnership to provide up to ₦250 million in affordable financing for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, women and youth-led businesses in Lagos State.

The initiative was announced on Thursday and will be implemented through the 2nd Annual MSME Finance CEO Forum and the 6th Annual MSME & Startup Economic Summit 2026. The two organisations said the arrangement will create a platform for eligible businesses to access finance, advisory services and enterprise development support.

Under the arrangement, LSETF will serve as the principal government-backed financing partner. The agency will offer loans ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5 million in line with its existing MSME financing guidelines and affordable lending framework.

The partners said the collaboration is intended to go beyond conventional event sponsorship by building an outcomes-driven ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs directly to financing opportunities, business formalisation, capacity building and sustainable job creation.

Programme structure and delivery model

The initiative is expected to pre-screen more than 1,000 MSMEs for financing opportunities across the two events. It is also projected to support the creation or sustenance of over 2,000 jobs.

As part of the programme, LSETF will establish dedicated financing advisory desks at both events. These desks will provide on-site application intake, one-on-one business advisory clinics and practical workshops focused on financial management, business readiness and business formalisation.

Africa Global Economic Forum will coordinate beneficiary mobilisation, programme architecture, stakeholder engagement, event logistics and ecosystem coordination throughout the implementation period.

Participating businesses will also be encouraged to complete LSETF's pre-qualification assessments ahead of each event. According to the partners, this is aimed at improving financing readiness, streamlining the application process and accelerating loan reviews.

Focus on MSME challenges in Lagos

The partners said the initiative seeks to address major challenges facing Lagos-based MSMEs, including limited access to affordable capital, low levels of business formalisation and inadequate awareness of available government support programmes.

Implementation of the financing programme will run throughout the 2026 programme cycle, with applications to be reviewed on a rolling basis in line with LSETF's established eligibility criteria.

Speaking on the partnership, representatives of both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem by expanding access to finance and ensuring entrepreneurs are connected not only to policy conversations but also to practical opportunities that promote business growth and resilience.

Organisations behind the initiative

LSETF is a Lagos State Government agency that provides affordable financing, business support, employability training and advisory services to MSMEs, startups and individuals across the state.

Africa Global Economic Forum convenes stakeholders across the public and private sectors to promote inclusive economic growth, financial inclusion and investment across Africa. Through the partnership, both organisations are positioning the 2026 programme cycle as a channel for linking Lagos entrepreneurs to funding and support systems.