Institutional support is key for the development of any startup ecosystem, particularly in countries that are grappling with infrastructural challenges plus multiple taxation such as Nigeria. Be that as it may a number of countries have been able to create unique models that allow startups partner and work with various corporate organisations plus the available opportunities available with his bank.
Consequently, the 17th edition of CFA’s Startups Hangout features a top executive from Nigeria’s biggest bank in all ramifications. He will be on ground to share his thoughts on some of the ways startups can leverage institutional support to scale.
In his words, “this is indeed a great time to be a startup, however, it will be difficult for the startup ecosystem to really gain traction without some sort of institutional collaborations and partnerships. Imagine the impact if First bank puts its weight behind a good startup, which is part of the reasons we created the First Bank digital lab”. He added.
Meet Chuma Ezirim
Chuma Ezirim, heads eBusiness Group at First Bank. The Group develops and manages Electronic Channels and Card business in the Commercial Bank and its subsidiaries. The Commercial Bank has international presence through its subsidiaries; London, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Guinea as well as a Representative Office in Beijing.
He is a Certified International Cards & Payments Professional (CICPP) and Fellow, International Academy of Cards & Payments. An Industrial Chemist by training, Chuma has over 24 years professional banking experience. He holds a B.Sc Degree in Industrial Chemistry from University of Nigeria, Nsukka and an M.Sc degree in the same field from University of Ibadan. He also has a MBA from University of Nigeria and is an alumnus of Wharton School, Kellogg School of Management and Lagos Business School. He has attended several advanced Leadership and Strategy courses.
Chuma has demonstrated track records of excellence in Electronic and Retail Banking for about 20 years. He has worked with and provided strategic counsel to people at different levels in the Electronic Payment Industry from subject matter experts to CEOs and Board members of leading Financial Services Organizations across Africa.
This event is free to attend but registration is compulsory.
About CFA’s Startups Hangout
A uniquely conceived, informal session brought to you by CFAtech.ng. Each session enables startups connect with successful entrepreneurs and top executives who have garnered tons of experiences that money simply can’t buy. Over 30 speakers have been featured to date and still counting.
This free event is proudly supported by Remita, Zinox, Swift Networks, Guardian Tech etc.
