Introduction

The Innovation and Scale Forum returns to Ibadan for its fourth edition bringing together founders investors and policymakers under the Scale Without Borders theme. With Citihoms Finance Company stepping up as headline partner and a $10,000 pitch prize up for grabs this years forum aims to bridge the capital gap facing Nigerias massive MSME sector.

What Happened

ISF Forum 2026 is scheduled for November 27-28 2026 at the International Conference Centre in Ibadan. The announcement revealed Citihoms Finance Company as the Headline Enterprise Finance Partner alongside institutional partners including the National Information Technology Development Agency the Oyo State Government and Impact Hub Ibadan. A new $10,000 prize will award the winner of the pitch competition where eight finalists present to a five-judge panel before a live audience. The programme also features 18 awards across the Scale Without Borders programme a hackathon a Deal Room and masterclasses across six halls at the venue.

Why This Matters

Nigeria hosts over 39 million micro small and medium enterprises representing 96 percent of all businesses contributing 48 percent to GDP and providing 84 percent of private sector employment. Yet fewer than one in twenty can access formal bank credit and development finance institutions hold roughly 8 trillion against an estimated 130 trillion financing need. Citihoms Finance Company operating across six states with products spanning SME financing asset financing and clean energy solutions brings actual capital deployment experience to the conversation. Its partnership as headline partner shifts the forums dialogue from discussion to direct funding particularly as Iyin Aboyeji delivers the headline keynote and more than 3000 delegates gather in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Citihoms Finance Company named Headline Enterprise Finance Partner for ISF Forum 2026
  • $10,000 prize awarded to the winning startup in the pitch competition
  • 18 awards across five sectors and multiple categories under Scale Without Borders
  • Institutional partnerships with NITDA Oyo State Government and Impact Hub Ibadan
  • Over 3000 in-person and 10000 online delegates expected
  • Keynote by Iyin Aboyeji co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave and CEO of Moove
  • Event runs November 27-28 2026 at the International Conference Centre Ibadan

Conclusion

ISF Forum 2026 represents a significant moment for Nigerias innovation ecosystem combining visibility investment readiness and direct capital deployment. With Citihoms Finance Company leading the finance conversation and a programme rich in competitions masterclasses and awards this edition has the potential to accelerate growth for numerous founders and reshape the MSME funding landscape. Stakeholders across tech and finance should watch this edition for its impact on the broader ecosystem.