Ecobank hosts ‘Design & Build’ Expo 2024 to empower over 52 Nigerian SMEs

Ecobank Nigeria has officially unveiled plans for its much-anticipated ‘Design & Build’ Expo 2024, a groundbreaking initiative tailored to empower over 52 Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and foster economic growth. Scheduled to take place in Lagos, the event promises to serve as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and stakeholders to showcase their products, explore emerging trends, and access essential resources for scaling their businesses.

The expo is yet another demonstration of Ecobank’s commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and capacity building within Nigeria’s SME sector, which serves as the backbone of the nation’s economy.

Speaking on Monday, during a press briefing in Lagos, Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, highlighted the vision behind the initiative.

“Ecobank is the solution for African banking, and we are committed to giving our customers the platform to network, collaborate, and partner, including leveraging social media for international visibility,” she stated.

Odu further explained that the ‘Design & Build Expo 2024’ was conceived to spotlight homegrown innovations and sustainable practices across architecture, construction, building materials, household appliances, engineering, and interior design sectors.

She emphasised the expo’s goal to serve as a hub for empowering businesses and facilitating financial solutions that promote economic growth.

“The expo is positioned as a go-to hub to empower businesses, provide financial solutions, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in the real estate, design, and construction sectors, with the overarching message: Building Nigeria Together.”

Participants at the event will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge designs and sustainable innovations that could redefine their next real estate or construction projects. “They will also learn about bespoke mortgage plans, construction loans, and investment opportunities tailored to bring their property ambitions to life with ease,” Odu added.

The platform will enable attendees to connect with leading developers, architects, and builders who are shaping the future of the industry.

The event, slated to begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, will feature workshops, seminars, and presentations designed to educate attendees on industry best practices, emerging techniques, and standards. Odu noted that these activities aim to foster partnerships between designers, contractors, and suppliers, streamlining processes in the design and construction sectors.

The exhibition will also provide valuable insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies in Nigeria, encouraging innovative thinking and creative solutions in projects spanning architecture, construction, engineering, and interior design.

Businesses expected to participate include those specialising in real estate development, kitchen fittings, interior design, tiling and flooring, lighting, steelwork, sanitary fittings, paints, and electronics, among others.

Austin Osokpor, Head of Corporate Communications at Ecobank Nigeria, further elaborated on the bank’s dedication to driving growth within the SME sector.

“This initiative aligns with what we stand for at Ecobank—enabling businesses to grow. We want to showcase the world made in Nigeria and how businesses here can revitalise the economy,” he said.

Osokpor encouraged wide participation in the five-day event, emphasising the networking opportunities it would provide for SMEs, clients, and other stakeholders.

Ecobank Nigeria has consistently supported the creative industry, partnerships, and SMEs, recognising them as essential drivers of economic growth and connectivity. This aligns with the Pan-African Bank’s overarching policy of promoting economic development across the continent.

The bank’s previous initiatives, such as the Adire Lagos Experience and the Photography, Art, and Design Exhibition (PADE), underscore its dedication to cultural and economic empowerment. Other notable events include the Oja Oge Pop-up Marketplace and the National Schools Chess Tournament, which brought together over 1,200 participants from 250 schools. Through these efforts, Ecobank has solidified its role as a champion of Nigeria’s SMEs and creative industries.

The success of the ‘Design & Build’ Expo 2024 will be amplified by its strong partnerships with leading organisations, including:

Saba Steel Industrial Nigeria Ltd., Nigeria’s largest steel manufacturer, specialising in customised steel structures for heavy industries; Coleman Wire & Cables, West Africa’s largest cable manufacturer, known for producing international-standard electrical wires and cables; and Dulux Paints, a leading paint brand in Nigeria offering a range of products to inspire creativity in design projects.

Others are ITB Nigeria Limited, construction company specializing in high-rise buildings across West Africa;

Mota Engil Nigeria, a multinational construction firm with expertise in infrastructure development and engineering; and Spazio Ideale, a Lagos-based interior design company focused on creating experiential spaces.

These partnerships underscore the collaborative spirit of the expo and its mission to drive innovation and growth within Nigeria’s design and construction ecosystem.

The ‘Design & Build’ Expo 2024 offers a host of benefits to participants, including exposure to a targeted audience of decision-makers, influencers, and clients. Opportunities to showcase innovative products and services to industry professionals; Interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and workshops for knowledge-sharing; Increased brand visibility and market presence within the design and construction sectors; Insights into emerging trends and consumer preferences.

With these offerings, the event, according to the bank, is set to position Nigerian SMEs for success on a global scale while promoting local innovation and sustainable practices.

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