The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), in partnership with Sytiamo Technologies, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to provide affordable inventory financing to 10,000 market women across 224 markets in 28 states. The flagship rollout began at Ariaria International Market on Thursday in Aba, Abia State, where over 1,000 women received access to consumer credit.
The initiative aims to strengthen financial inclusion for informal workers—particularly women—by providing them with accessible and affordable financing options to scale their micro-enterprises.
“Supporting women with credit is not just a social good; it’s good business,” said Mr. Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director of CREDICORP. “Women are proven to be better custodians of credit, with higher repayment rates than men. With 66.7% of our executive team and 50% of our management being women, this partnership reflects our deep belief that empowering women builds more resilient communities.”
Women participating in the Ariaria launch received up to ₦100,000 in credit, with interest rates reduced by 50% from prevailing market rates—providing relief from the high-interest loans typically available in the informal sector.
“Through this partnership, we are giving market women quick access to the capital they need to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods,” said Mr. Michael Ogbaa, Managing Director of Sytiamo Technologies.
“This program gives us the chance to grow our businesses with affordable funding,” said Mrs. Chinyere Okoro, President of the Ariaria Textile Market Women Association.
This joint effort between CREDICORP and Sytiamo Technologies is designed to drive economic empowerment, improve credit access for underserved communities, and boost productivity within Nigeria’s informal economy.
Interested market women can apply via: www.credicorp.ng/sytiamo-apply
