Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises remained central to economic activity in 2025, even as inflation, exchange rate pressure and operating costs affected business stability. While many enterprises slowed operations or exited the market, a group of SMEs recorded sustained growth by adjusting business models, expanding distribution channels and responding directly to market demand. These companies operated across technology, logistics, retail, healthcare and agriculture, reflecting sectors where spending and necessity remained stable.
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The top 10 fastest-growing Nigerian SMEs in 2025
1. Kippa
Kippa provides small businesses with accounting, invoicing and payment solutions. In 2025, it expanded rapidly across urban centres, helping thousands of SMEs track finances and accept digital payments. Its focus on simplifying daily business operations contributed to fast adoption and measurable growth.
2. Paystack SME solutions
Paystack’s SME division increased adoption among small businesses by offering seamless digital payment and reporting tools. By integrating with multiple platforms and providing easy onboarding, the company helped small enterprises improve cash flow and scale operations efficiently.
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3. Helium Health
Helium Health continued to expand its digital health record systems across private healthcare providers. By focusing on automation, secure patient data management, and scalable infrastructure, it enabled smaller clinics and hospitals to modernise operations while expanding its market footprint.
4. GIG Logistics SME services
GIG Logistics grew its SME-focused delivery offerings by improving coverage, optimising routes, and reducing costs for small businesses. By outsourcing logistics operations, SMEs could focus on core operations while benefiting from reliable delivery services.
5. Kobo360 SME freight network
Kobo360 expanded freight operations targeting small and medium businesses. With flexible pricing and real-time tracking, the company helped SMEs manage shipments efficiently and scale without the burden of owning heavy transport infrastructure.
6. TradeDepot
TradeDepot connected small retailers to wholesalers, improving access to inventory, credit, and sales tracking tools. Its aggregation model reduced supply chain inefficiencies, enabling SMEs to maintain stock levels and respond to consumer demand effectively.
7. Omnibiz
Omnibiz grew its merchant networks by simplifying product sourcing and payment collection. In 2025, it expanded into multiple cities, helping informal traders and small retailers digitise operations and improve profitability.
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8. Sabi
Sabi’s digital platform enabled informal traders to participate in organised retail markets. By providing access to financing, stock management and digital sales tools, Sabi helped small enterprises stabilise operations and expand market reach.
9. Releaf
Releaf scaled its food processing operations by partnering with smallholder farmers. The SME focused on structured supply chains and value-added processing rather than raw commodity sales, improving revenue consistency and reducing exposure to price fluctuations.
10. ThriveAgric
ThriveAgric expanded farmer partnerships and offered structured agricultural financing. Its model provided farmers with working capital, technical support, and guaranteed market access, driving growth for both farmers and the company itself.
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Sector overview of top-performing SMEs
Technology-driven SMEs expanding reach
Technology-focused SMEs dominated the growth list by providing infrastructure for payments, healthcare records and business management. Increased adoption of digital tools supported scale among small businesses and service providers. Expansion strategies prioritised reliability, volume growth and system integration rather than short-term profitability.
Logistics businesses responding to supply chain needs
Logistics SMEs experienced increased demand as businesses sought cost control and operational efficiency. GIG Logistics and Kobo360 benefited from outsourcing trends as companies reduced in-house logistics operations. Route optimisation and flexible pricing structures supported expansion without heavy capital investment.
Retail support platforms gaining traction
Retail-focused SMEs recorded growth by supporting informal and small-scale traders. TradeDepot, Omnibiz, and Sabi expanded merchant networks across urban and semi-urban markets. Their platforms enabled inventory sourcing, credit access and sales tracking, reducing supply delays and improving price stability.
Agribusiness SMEs scaling processing and partnerships
Agribusiness SMEs continued to grow due to food demand and export interest. Releaf and ThriveAgric focused on structured supply chains and value processing rather than raw commodity sales. This approach improved revenue consistency and reduced exposure to price fluctuations.
Shared growth strategies among leading SMEs
The fastest-growing SMEs in 2025 shared similar approaches:
- Use of digital tools to manage operations
- Asset-light structures to limit fixed costs
- Focus on essential services
- Preference for alternative financing over bank loans
Most avoided long-term bank borrowing, relying instead on reinvested earnings, partnerships and structured funding.
What this means for Nigeria’s SME landscape
The performance of these ten SMEs reflects a shift in Nigeria’s business environment. Enterprises that prioritise efficiency, market relevance and operational flexibility are better positioned to grow under economic pressure. As 2025 progresses, SMEs operating within payments, logistics, retail support and food supply chains are expected to remain central to economic activity.
