In a significant boost for Nigeria's entrepreneurial landscape, the fintech company Platnova has been officially honoured as one of the nation's top 100 fastest-growing small and medium enterprises. This prestigious recognition was conferred at the SME 100 AWARDS 2025, a high-profile event that spotlights business excellence and resilience.
A Prestigious Award for Driving Economic Impact
The award ceremony, organized by the renowned BusinessDay Media Limited, took place on 4 December 2025 at the Glitz Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos. The event formed a key part of the SME Conference and Awards 2025, which rallied under the theme 'Driving Nigeria’s Economy: Empowering SMEs for Global Competitiveness'. The gathering attracted leading entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials focused on sustainable development.
Platnova's selection was not arbitrary. The company underwent a rigorous evaluation process and emerged victorious due to its substantial contribution to the national economy. Judges particularly noted its transformative role in advancing financial inclusion across Nigeria by offering affordable and accessible international payment solutions.
Leadership Reaction and Company Vision
Accepting the award, Dr Benjamin Oyemonlan, the CEO and Co-founder of Platnova, expressed profound gratitude. He stated that the accolade serves as a powerful validation of the company's core mission to create borderless financial tools.
"This recognition strengthens our resolve to empower more Nigerian businesses and individuals," Dr Oyemonlan said. "Our dedicated team and loyal user community are the true engines of this growth. We are more committed than ever to helping African businesses compete effectively on the international stage."
The Growth Trajectory Behind the Recognition
This award follows a period of remarkable expansion for Platnova. The company has successfully attracted a vast and growing user base, which includes:
- Freelancers and digital nomads
- Students managing international fees
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in global trade
A major catalyst for this growth has been the launch of the Platnova Business suite. This dedicated toolset has become indispensable for Nigerian entrepreneurs, simplifying complex global operations and financial management.
Furthermore, Platnova's compelling vision and scalable business model have drawn significant venture capital investment. This funding has allowed the company to reinvest aggressively in cutting-edge technology, robust security systems, and further expansion into new markets. These collective achievements clearly demonstrate the acute market need that Platnova fulfills, directly leading to its well-deserved ranking among Nigeria's most dynamic companies.