PalmPay has intensified efforts to deepen financial inclusion in Northern Nigeria through a grassroots digital banking initiative targeted at women entrepreneurs operating across major commercial markets in Kano and Kaduna states.
The fintech company disclosed that more than 2,000 women traders have benefited from the programme, which focused on improving financial literacy, expanding access to digital banking services and supporting small-scale business growth within informal market clusters.
According to Brandspur Banking News Desk, the initiative was implemented at Sabon Gari Market in Kano and the Central Market in Kaduna, where female traders received hands-on training on digital financial management, cash flow monitoring and modern payment solutions designed to improve daily business operations.
The programme comes amid growing concerns over the financial exclusion gap affecting millions of women across Nigeria. Industry data continues to show that a significant number of women entrepreneurs, particularly in informal markets, remain outside the formal banking system and heavily dependent on cash-based transactions.
PalmPay said the intervention was designed to simplify digital banking adoption for market women involved in the sale of textiles, grains, spices, household products and other consumer goods. The company noted that many small traders continue to face operational challenges linked to poor financial record keeping, delayed transfer confirmations, cash handling risks and limited access to structured financial services.
As part of the initiative, participants were trained on how to separate personal spending from business finances, calculate profit margins, manage inventory budgets and improve financial planning for business sustainability. The programme also introduced traders to PalmPay POS terminals and instant transaction notification systems aimed at improving transparency and payment efficiency.
The digital banking campaign received support from Muhammadu Sanusi II, whose endorsement helped strengthen awareness and acceptance of the initiative among traders and local business communities within the region.
PalmPay stated that the programme is already helping women entrepreneurs transition from informal cash-based operations to more structured digital financial systems capable of improving transaction security and long-term business growth.
The company further stressed that empowering women-led businesses carries wider economic benefits because many female traders serve as primary income earners and financial providers within their households and local communities.
Financial inclusion experts have consistently identified Northern Nigeria as one of the regions with the widest gender gaps in access to formal banking services. Analysts say increased access to digital financial tools and financial literacy programmes could significantly improve economic productivity, business expansion and poverty reduction among underserved populations.
The initiative also aligns with broader national efforts to accelerate digital banking adoption and strengthen financial participation among women-owned businesses as fintech companies continue expanding services beyond urban centres into grassroots commercial markets across Nigeria.
