Hadi Finance: Transforming MSME Lending and Building Trust in Nigeria
In a country where informal businesses constitute over half of the GDP, Hadi Finance is carving a new path in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) lending. Co-founded by Bidemi Adebayo, Hadi Finance aims not only to provide loans but to dismantle the stigma associated with borrowing. Launched in 2022, the company shifted from traditional retail to a model focused on lending, meeting the crucial need for accessible capital among Nigeria's informal sector.
The Shift from Retail to Finance
Initially, Hadi Finance operated as a retail distributor, distributing goods from a warehouse in Abuja and serving thousands of customers with substantial monthly sales. However, they quickly realized that the pressing issue wasn't merely logistics or availability of goods, but access to cash flow—a problem that forced them to pivot their business model toward providing financial solutions.
Breaking the Stigma of Borrowing
Adebayo acknowledges that the real challenge was changing the narrative surrounding loans, which are often viewed negatively due to distrust toward lenders. To combat this, Hadi Finance employs a high-touch approach where personal relationships and trust are prioritized over impersonal technology-driven processes. This human-centric methodology includes making home visits to potential borrowers and maintaining ongoing support, even when difficulties arise post-loan issuance.
How Hadi Finance Builds Trust
Central to Hadi Finance's strategy is their commitment to fostering trust through personalized service. Their operations emphasize speed and support, ensuring that loan requests are processed within 48 hours. It is not just about financial assistance; it revolves around helping retailers grow their businesses sustainably. When a borrower encounters trouble, a support agent is dispatched to offer assistance rather than intimidation—a method that is critical in a market fraught with fear and misunderstanding.
Future Growth and Financial Inclusion
As Hadi Finance celebrates reaching its 1,000-day milestone, it reflects on the lessons learned about the importance of community engagement and financial inclusion. With plans to expand its product offerings—including invoice financing and asset financing—Hadi Finance remains committed to its vision of empowering small businesses and contributing positively to the broader economy. Their approach exemplifies how empathy and presence are powerful tools in building financial trust and promoting entrepreneurship.
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