Saturday, July 18, 2026

Tinubu pledges support for Flutterwave’s digital economy expansion, SME growth, youth development in Nigeria

Olugbenga Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youth and SMEs.

• February 23, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of Flutterwave
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of Flutterwave

In a significant move to drive economic growth and development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a strategic meeting with the leadership of Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company. The discussions focused on fostering youth empowerment, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development and the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy.

This meeting builds on the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flutterwave, aimed at enhancing mentorship programs, providing access to start-up funding, and promoting skill development for young Nigerians. The partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.

Through this collaboration, young entrepreneurs and SMEs across Nigeria will have increased access to business funding, mentorship programs, and technical and leadership training provided through key agencies such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC). By leveraging digital innovation, the partnership aims to promote sustainable employment, foster the growth of youth-led businesses, and strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Honourable Minister for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, emphasised the importance of this initiative in fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda and highlighted the roles of the NYSC and CLTC in delivering training and mentorship opportunities that will equip young Nigerians with essential entrepreneurial skills.

Further supporting the development of small businesses, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has partnered with Flutterwave to provide micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with advanced digital payment solutions, improved access to financial services, and capacity-building programs. This partnership will enable MSMEs to accept various payment methods, including mobile wallets, card payments, and bank transfer, while gaining access to working capital loans and credit facilities to foster business sustainability. Charles Odii, director-general and CEO of SMEDAN, noted that the collaboration strengthens the agency’s mission to help Nigerian businesses compete more effectively in the global market.

To further enhance Nigeria’s digital economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has engaged Flutterwave to lead several digital transformation initiatives. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General and CEO of NITDA, underscored the importance of accelerating digital adoption among SMEs, recognizing that increased access to digital infrastructure is critical for economic growth.

Olugbenga Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youth and SMEs through technology-driven solutions that drive long-term economic impact. He emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in fostering innovation and sustainable growth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concluded the meeting by highlighting the vital role of collaborative efforts in empowering Nigeria’s youth and business community. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to equipping the next generation with the necessary tools to succeed in a competitive and rapidly evolving global economy.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Atiku standing with Amaechi

Politics

2027: Group asks ADC, Atiku to drop Amaechi as vice-presidential candidate

The group accused Mr Amaechi of desperation, saying that he lacked the grassroots strength required to win the election.

Jens Spahn. [PHOTO CREDIT: ZDF]

Heading 4

German lawmaker resigns after backlash for welcoming child through surrogacy

The 46-year-old politician and his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), had backed a ban on surrogacy.

Illegal crude oil refining site

Lagos

Troops nab six suspects in Lagos oil bunkering raid, dismantle site

Mr Yahaya said items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products.

States

Gov. Yahaya swears in 23 commissioners, 13 aides

Mr Yahaya also urged the appointees to implement policies and deliver good governance during the remaining period of his tenure.

African Democratic Congress

States

Adamawa ADC governorship candidate pledges agricultural reform, improved security

He described Adamawa as an agrarian state with immense potential for economic growth and food security.

House of Representatives, Dr Adesola Adedayo

Lagos

Lagos lawmaker empowers 60 Apapa residents with fish farming equipment

Mr Adedayo said the initiative was designed to create sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security and improve residents’ economic well-being.