Moniepoint Inc. has revealed that it disbursed more than $700 million in loans to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in 2025, with a significant number of beneficiaries accessing formal business credit for the first time. According to the fintech company's newly released 2025 Impact Report, about 75% of merchants who received financing through its platform had never previously obtained business loans, highlighting the firm's growing contribution to financial inclusion in Nigeria.
First-Time Borrowers Record Stronger Business Growth
The report showed that businesses that received Moniepoint loans recorded an average 36% increase in transaction value, demonstrating the positive impact of improved access to financing on business performance. Moniepoint also disclosed that its Point-of-Sale (PoS) network enabled over 100 million people to make payments nationwide during the period under review.
The company said its ecosystem now supports more than 20 million businesses and individuals, while its subsidiaries process over $250 billion in digital payment transactions every year. In a move aimed at promoting inclusive growth, the fintech added that loan disbursements to women-owned businesses increased by more than 300%, reflecting a stronger commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs.
Bridging Nigeria's MSME Financing Gap
Moniepoint said expanding access to credit remains central to its mission because MSMEs are critical to Nigeria's economy, contributing around 86% of employment and roughly half of the country's nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite their economic importance, the report noted that Nigerian MSMEs face an estimated $32.2 billion financing gap, with micro-enterprises in sectors such as agriculture and retail experiencing the highest demand for affordable credit.
To address this challenge, Moniepoint said it has developed a lending model designed specifically for the realities of small businesses in Nigeria. Rather than relying solely on traditional lending requirements, its credit assessment system evaluates merchants using business performance data, making it easier for underserved entrepreneurs to access financing.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
The 300% increase in lending to women-owned businesses underscores Moniepoint's focus on gender-inclusive growth. Women entrepreneurs often face greater barriers to accessing formal credit due to collateral requirements and limited financial history. By leveraging transaction data, Moniepoint's model helps bridge this gap, enabling more women to grow their enterprises.
According to the report, the fintech's approach has also contributed to job creation, as MSMEs that received loans were able to expand operations and hire additional staff. The company said it remains committed to closing the $32.2 billion financing gap that stifles small business growth in Nigeria.
Impact on the Broader Economy
Moniepoint's lending activities are part of a broader trend in Nigeria's fintech sector, where digital lenders are increasingly filling the void left by traditional banks. With over $250 billion in annual digital payments processed through its platform, Moniepoint has become a key player in the country's financial ecosystem.
The company said its impact report provides evidence that targeted credit interventions can drive measurable economic outcomes, including higher transaction volumes and improved business resilience. As Nigeria continues to grapple with a challenging macroeconomic environment, access to affordable credit remains a critical lever for sustaining MSME growth and employment.
