Keystone Bank Limited has strengthened its support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by partnering with the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) to train and empower leather business owners in Kano State.
The initiative, known as the Keystone–Kano SME Leather Support Programme, lasted for three days and focused on improving the skills, productivity, and competitiveness of businesses operating within the leather industry. The programme also aimed to help entrepreneurs access better markets, adopt innovative business practices, and build stronger, more sustainable enterprises.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Executive Director for North and Public Sector at Keystone Bank, Usman Bello Abubakar, described the partnership as an important step towards supporting leather entrepreneurs with the knowledge, training, and financial services needed to grow their businesses.
He noted that Kano remains the largest leather production centre in Nigeria and one of the leading leather hubs in West Africa. According to him, the sector provides employment for more than 40,000 people, most of whom operate as small business owners or within the informal sector.
Abubakar explained that the bank is committed to finding practical ways to help businesses succeed. He said the programme was created to address some of the biggest challenges facing leather entrepreneurs, including limited access to business training, finance, and larger markets.
He added that by working with KACCIMA, Keystone Bank hopes to promote financial inclusion, strengthen the leather value chain, and create more opportunities for local businesses to compete in both regional and international markets.
Participants at the programme received intensive business development training through expert-led masterclasses and practical sessions tailored specifically to the needs of leather producers and traders. The training covered important areas such as business management, product improvement, marketing strategies, and business growth.
To further support the participating businesses, Keystone Bank awarded grants of ₦50,000 each to 50 SMEs. The financial support is expected to help beneficiaries expand their operations, purchase equipment or raw materials, and improve their overall business performance.
The programme also featured a mini trade fair and exhibition where participants displayed a wide range of leather products. The exhibition created opportunities for business owners to promote their products, attract new customers, connect with potential investors, and build valuable business relationships.
Beyond training and financial support, the initiative encouraged business formalisation by helping entrepreneurs understand the importance of registering and properly managing their businesses. It also promoted wider access to financial services that can support long-term business growth.
Keystone Bank said the programme reflects its ongoing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and supporting economic development through strategic partnerships. The bank believes that investing in SMEs, particularly in key industries such as leather production, will create more jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Through collaborations like this, Keystone Bank and KACCIMA hope to strengthen the leather industry in Kano, enabling local businesses to become more competitive while opening new opportunities in domestic and international markets.
