First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Health Business Academy Africa (HBA) have officially launched a pioneering partnership to transform the healthcare business landscape in Nigeria. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing and unveiling event, held on June 5, 2025, brought together leading healthcare entrepreneurs, executives, and industry stakeholders to address one of the sector’s most pressing challenges—access to finance.
The event marked a significant step forward in empowering healthcare professionals with the capital and capacity needed to grow sustainable businesses. The FCMB-HBA partnership is powered by FCMB’s Health Desk, SheVentures and Payment and Solutions Division, offering a blended approach of business education, leadership development, digital payment products and tailored financing to support healthcare entrepreneurs, particularly women-owned businesses, across the healthcare value chain.
Speaking at the event, Wale Olajubu, Executive Director of HBA, remarked, “This partnership brings together capital, capability, and a shared vision for healthcare in Africa. We are enabling healthcare leaders to scale solutions that matter.”
Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Head of SheVentures at FCMB, said, “We are investing in businesses that improve lives. This partnership provides healthcare entrepreneurs with tailored financial support and business insights to drive innovation and improve healthcare outcomes.”
Dr. Pamela Ajayi, Chairman of Bridge Clinic and guest speaker at the event, urged Nigeria to move away from dependence on donor aid and imports toward a future rooted in innovation, investment, and national health sovereignty. All areas require both investment and skilled personnel.
The event was graced by some of the most distinguished leaders in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem, including: Dr. Pamela Ajayi – Immediate Past President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Founder of SYNLAB Nigeria, and Chairman of The Bridge Clinic, Dr. Olayemi Dawodu – Managing Director and CEO of Cerba Lancet Nigeria, Pharm. Abimbola Adebakin – Founder and CEO of Advantage Health Africa (AHA), Dr. George Uduku – General Manager for GE Healthcare in West Africa, Clare Omatseye – Founder and Managing Director of JNC International, Unoma Grant – Chief Operating Officer, Paelon Memorial Hospital
The partnership aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality), by fostering inclusive growth and innovation in healthcare delivery.
Through this partnership, FCMB and HBA will roll out programmes on business growth, access to finance, and leadership development, establishing a foundation for a more resilient healthcare ecosystem in Nigeria.
About First City Monument Bank (FCMB)
First City Monument Bank, a member of the FCMB Group Plc, offers banking and financial services that promote inclusive and sustainable growth. It supports businesses and communities by connecting people, capital, and markets across Africa.
About Health Business Academy for Africa (HBA)
Health Business Academy for Africa (HBA) is dedicated to transforming healthcare delivery across Africa through specialised training programmes, equipping healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and improve the healthcare landscape across the African continent.
