At the BusinessDay CEO Forum, Chukwuma Nwanze, MD/CEO of Credit Direct Finance Company Limited (Credit Direct), FCMB Group's consumer finance arm, emphasized the critical role of innovation and resilience for Nigerian businesses navigating the current economic challenges. Highlighting the transformative potential of technology and digital transformation, he stressed its importance in adapting to evolving consumer needs and ensuring sustained growth.

During a panel discussion on "Leadership and Partnership: Driving Value in a Challenging Economy," Nwanze emphasized the need for proactive strategies to address market volatility. He offered insights into how businesses can foster innovation and achieve sustainable reinvention.

Nwanze pointed to Credit Direct's success as Nigeria's leading FinTech and consumer finance company, attributing its growth to using AI-driven credit decisioning in its loan origination process and digital channels for nationwide expansion. "At Credit Direct, we are able to optimize and scale significantly by using automated credit decisioning in underwriting loans and leveraging digital channels to reach all parts of the country," he stated. "We consistently innovate to build products that solve our customers' problems."

He urged business leaders to embrace emerging technologies and understand evolving consumer behaviours to meet demands and remain competitive. "Leaders must extend their vision beyond traditional boundaries and continuously adapt to changes in the environment," Nwanze emphasized.

The panel session that featured the Credit Direct boss also had other distinguished business leaders, including Yomi Ademola, Chairman of West Africa Rendeavour and Managing Director, Alaro City; Khilian Khanoba, Senior Partner, Kreston Pedabo; and Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centres Limited, who collectively shared profound insights on the subject of driving value in a challenging economy.

Dr Coker particularly stressed the need for broadband development to drive economic growth while also dwelling on the importance of data in making economic decisions. The panelists, including Nwanze, aligned on how these elements are requisite for economic development.

The conference also featured Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso, who participated in a fireside chat titled "Leadership in Tough Economic Times." Cardoso said: It is essential for businesses to build genuine credibility. Part of the current focus of the Central Bank of Nigeria is to develop a stronger and more resilient banking system.

The BusinessDay CEO Forum drew CEOs from Nigeria's leading companies, including the Deputy Lagos State Governor, Femi Hamzat, and former Governor of the Bank of Kenya, Patrick Ngugi Njoroge. The annual gathering, organized in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), is a platform for top executives and government officials to discuss critical economic issues and shape the nation's economic landscape.