Independent (Chinedu Nnawetanma)

My name is Chinedu. I am a social entrepreneur and development strategist with a rich background that spans SME banking and advisory, retail banking, youth entrepreneurship development, partnership development, value chain banking, green finance, and digital inclusion. I am passionate about empowering businesses, individuals, and communities in Africa to drive the accelerated, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and development of the continent, and this has shaped my career path. My experience holding various social-impact roles in leading financial institutions in Nigeria – Fidelity Bank, Wema Bank, and Sterling Bank – has exposed me to the myriad challenges confronting growing businesses, low-income individuals, and underserved communities in an emerging economy and has deepened my interest in the development sector. Over the past few years, I have designed and led numerous projects, programs, products and partnerships that have impacted millions of Africans. These include the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Program, a public-private partnership of the Federal Government that aims to train and equip 3 million Nigerian youths and MSMEs with in-demand digital, business management, and employability skills. I have also developed and managed an innovative green finance product that expanded access to clean energy solutions for MSMEs and households in Nigeria, and contributed to the country’s climate goals. My expert opinions and analyses are highly sought after in the international development space and beyond, and my work has been featured by leading publications within and outside Africa, including Devex, CNBC Africa, and The Africa Report.