Adeshina Adewumi: The Leader Championing Financial Inclusion for Emerging Markets

Access to financial services has long been a critical factor in driving economic growth and sustainability. Across emerging markets, countless entrepreneurs and small business owners face barriers that prevent them from scaling their ventures. Traditional banking systems often fail to cater to their needs, leaving a vast segment of the economy underserved. Fintech innovations are now stepping in to bridge this gap, offering digital solutions that provide timely credit, insurance, and other financial services. In this rapidly evolving landscape, leaders who champion financial inclusion are not only redefining economies but also reshaping the future of global commerce.

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of financial services, few individuals have demonstrated the level of dedication, vision, and impact that Adeshina Adewumi has. As the founder and CEO of Trade Lenda, his commitment to leveraging technology to bridge the financial gap for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has positioned him as one of the most influential Black leaders to watch in 2025. His journey from a young boy assisting his mother in retail trade to an innovative entrepreneur driving financial inclusion across Africa is nothing short of inspiring.

A Foundation Rooted in Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Adeshina’s introduction to the business world began at a tender age. By seven, he was actively involved in his mother’s wholesale business, observing firsthand the nuances of trade and commerce. This early exposure instilled in him a profound understanding of market dynamics, a trait that would later become instrumental in his entrepreneurial pursuits. He quickly learned the importance of financial management, customer engagement, and operational efficiency—skills that would define his future endeavors.

His formative years at the Nigerian Military School in Zaria further honed his leadership skills, discipline, and resilience—qualities that have since defined his professional journey. The rigorous training and emphasis on service provided him with a structured mindset, preparing him for the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bowen University and later a postgraduate diploma in entrepreneurship from Lagos Business School provided him with a strong academic foundation. However, it was his real-world experiences that truly shaped his business acumen. Working with Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a subsidiary of Standard Bank Group, he gained invaluable exposure to operations, strategy, and business development. His tenure with Proville, where he served as the Chief Operating Officer, further broadened his perspective, equipping him with the knowledge to match African talents with global opportunities.

Building Trade Lenda: A Vision for Financial Empowerment

Adeshina’s entrepreneurial journey began with One Kiosk, an online marketplace designed to empower MSMEs. The platform facilitated a significant increase in sales for small businesses, demonstrating the potential of digital commerce in Africa. However, he soon identified a critical challenge—many businesses, despite showing promising growth, struggled with access to credit. This realisation led to the birth of Trade Lenda in 2021, a digital financial service platform dedicated to providing timely credit access to MSMEs.

Trade Lenda was established to fill a glaring void in the market. Traditional banks often overlooked small businesses, citing high risks and inadequate credit history. Adeshina and his team introduced a cutting-edge credit scoring framework that considered multiple variables beyond conventional financial metrics. This innovation allowed for more inclusive financial services, making it easier for MSMEs to secure funding, grow their operations, and contribute meaningfully to economic development. Today, Trade Lenda has successfully supported over 240,000 businesses in Nigeria alone and continues to expand its services across emerging markets.

A Mission Aligned with Global Development Goals

Beyond financial empowerment, Adeshina’s work aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By democratising access to credit and financial services, Trade Lenda is not only enabling business expansion but also fostering job creation and economic resilience across emerging markets. The company’s efforts have already contributed to creating thousands of employment opportunities in Nigeria, with plans to replicate the model across Africa and beyond.

To further reinforce this mission, Trade Lenda has partnered with various financial institutions and regulatory bodies to ensure sustainable growth. By incorporating financial literacy programs, the company is empowering MSMEs not just with capital but with the knowledge to manage and grow their businesses effectively.

His vision extends beyond Nigeria. With a holding structure in the United States, Trade Lenda has set its sights on scaling its services into Europe and North America within the next five years. The overarching goal remains clear—to drive financial inclusion and contribute to the creation of 10 million jobs across emerging markets.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovation

Like any startup, Trade Lenda faced its fair share of challenges. In its early days, overwhelming demand for credit exposed gaps in data management and financial modeling. Adeshina and his team swiftly addressed these challenges by refining their credit assessment mechanisms and securing strategic partnerships to ensure a steady flow of funds. The company also navigated regulatory hurdles, proving its credibility to financial institutions and securing essential credit pipelines with banks and non-financial institutions.

One of the key factors behind Trade Lenda’s success has been its ability to innovate. The company’s proprietary technology de-risks the lending process, ensuring that even small and informal retailers can access financial support without cumbersome requirements. This approach has kept Trade Lenda’s non-performing loans below 3%, a remarkable feat in Nigeria’s credit landscape.

To maintain its competitive edge, Trade Lenda continuously adapts its technology, integrating artificial intelligence to refine its credit scoring and risk assessment models. This has significantly improved efficiency, enabling quicker loan disbursements and reducing the financial burden on MSMEs.

A Leadership Style Rooted in Excellence and Impact

Adeshina’s leadership philosophy is centered on excellence. He firmly believes in the adage, “either excellence or nothing less,” a principle that permeates Trade Lenda’s corporate culture. His work ethic is driven by a deep-seated passion for impact, with success measured not by monetary gains but by the lives transformed through his initiatives.

As CEO, his primary responsibilities include attracting the right talent, securing strategic partnerships, and ensuring that every stakeholder—employees, investors, customers, and partners—derives value from Trade Lenda’s operations. He fosters a work environment that balances structured processes with the flexibility needed for creativity and innovation, ensuring continuous growth and adaptation in an evolving market.

Work-Life Balance and Personal Insights

Despite his demanding schedule, Adeshina is intentional about work-life balance. He structures his calendar to allow quality time with his children, ensuring he remains an active presence in their lives. The pandemic reinforced his belief in prioritising health and well-being, a lesson he continues to incorporate into both his personal and professional life.

His approach to leadership is deeply rooted in continuous learning. He believes that the best leaders are those who listen and learn from those they lead. This humility and willingness to adapt have been crucial in steering Trade Lenda toward success.

A Future of Expansion and Greater Impact

As Trade Lenda moves forward, the company is focused on scaling its footprint, enhancing its technology, and deepening financial inclusion efforts. Adeshina envisions a future where every MSME in emerging markets has seamless access to financial services, unlocking unprecedented economic growth and stability.

For investors, Trade Lenda presents an unparalleled opportunity. The fintech space in Nigeria and broader emerging markets remains largely untapped, and Trade Lenda’s innovative approach positions it as a frontrunner in this evolving industry. With a clear roadmap for global expansion, the company is poised to redefine the financial landscape for small businesses worldwide.

Looking Forward

Adeshina Adewumi is not just an entrepreneur; he is a changemaker reshaping the financial ecosystem for MSMEs. His journey, marked by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to impact, underscores the power of purpose-driven leadership. As he continues to expand Trade Lenda’s reach and influence, his story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of technology and financial inclusion.