Empowering Nigerian Communities Through Their Own: Regxta’s Model for Financial Inclusion
Nigeria’s markets and communities are the lifeblood of its economy, filled with vibrant activity, ambition, and resilience. Yet, many of these communities remain financially underserved. From bustling marketplaces in Lagos to rural farming villages in Kano, the need for accessible and trusted financial services is urgent.
At Regxta, we recognize that building trust and fostering growth in these communities requires a different approach. That’s why we don’t just serve these communities, we work with them, empowering them by employing their own children as agents. This approach does more than expand financial access; it builds bridges of trust, strengthens families, and creates local champions for financial inclusion.
Employing Customers’ Children: A Model Rooted in Trust
The decision to employ the children of our customers is not just strategic, it’s deeply intentional. In many Nigerian communities, trust is everything. People trust those they know, those who understand their struggles, and those who speak their language. By employing young people from within the communities we serve, often the sons and daughters of our customers, we ensure our services are delivered by familiar faces.
This strategy has proven immensely successful. Currently, 96% of our agents are children of our customers. These agents aren’t just employees; they’re part of the community fabric. They grew up there, understand the culture, and share in the everyday realities of their neighbors. This shared experience creates a natural connection that no outsider could replicate.
One such example is Kolawole Aisha, a 28-year-old from Ogun State, whose journey with Regxta highlights the transformative power of this model.
Aisha’s Journey: From Family Crisis to Community Champion
Aisha’s family first encountered Regxta during a time of crisis. Her mother, a market trader, had her shop robbed, losing her savings and goods. “It was a very difficult time for us,” Aisha recalls. “My mom’s business was unstable, and we didn’t know how to recover.”
When Aisha learned about Regxta, she saw not only a way to support her family but also an opportunity to help others facing similar struggles. Driven by her passion for empowering microbusinesses, she decided to become a Regxta agent.
As the daughter of a Regxta customer, Aisha received comprehensive support, starting with weekly training sessions. These sessions, held online every Monday and Thursday, equipped her with the skills to deliver financial solutions professionally and seamlessly.
“The training was eye-opening,” Aisha says. “It taught me how to use the Regxta app effectively and handle customer engagement professionally. I’ve grown into a better and more professional leader.”
The Impact on Families and Communities
Our community-driven approach delivers measurable results:
With a total of 12,525 customers, 10,444 (83.4%) of these customers are women, and 756 million naira (88.1% of total loans) has gone to these female customers.
These statistics reflect our commitment to supporting underrepresented groups, especially women and microbusiness owners.
When we employ the child of a customer, the benefits ripple far beyond the individual agent:
Today, Aisha is not just a Regxta agent, she’s a trusted figure in her community. She has helped open savings accounts for countless market women, empowering them to manage their finances better. Her work has revitalized microbusinesses, keeping them afloat and growing, even in tough economic times.
“I’m popularly known in my community because I keep businesses alive and always put smiles on my customers’ faces,” she shares with pride.
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Her role has also transformed her family’s financial situation. With the income she earns from Regxta, Aisha has been able to restore her mother’s business, pay her parents’ rent, and cover other household expenses.
“My parents are so proud of what I do,” she says. “They always say they wish I had started working with Regxta earlier.”
A Partnership, Not a Transaction
Regxta’s model isn’t about dropping financial products into communities and walking away. It’s about walking alongside them, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive.
Aisha’s story reflects the essence of our approach. When a customer knows that their child works with Regxta, it strengthens the bond between the company and the community.
The relationship is no longer just transactional—it’s personal.
This personal connection allows Regxta to break through the barriers of mistrust that have kept so many people out of the formal financial system.
A Role Model for Others
Aisha’s impact goes beyond her family and immediate customers. She has inspired other young people in her community to consider becoming Regxta agents. “I’ve referred many young men and women to join Regxta,” she says. “I’m proud to be a role model for them.”
Her neighbors look up to her and the work she does. “They’re always happy to see me in my Regxta-branded shirt,” she laughs. “They even call us their ‘mini gods’ because we’ve made such a big difference in their lives.”
One story stands out for Aisha. She helped a widow with four children who couldn’t afford to send her kids to school. By opening a savings account and offering financial guidance, Aisha supported the widow in rebuilding her business. Today, her children are back in school, and her business is thriving.
A Vision for Financial Inclusion
For Aisha, working with Regxta has been transformative, not just financially but also personally. She has gained skills in budgeting, savings, and debt management, which she now shares with her community.
“Regxta has given me the tools to touch the lives of people at the bottom of the pyramid,” she says. “This isn’t just a job—it’s a mission.”
Aisha’s journey is a testament to the impact of employing the children of our customers. It shows how financial inclusion, when delivered with trust and intention, can transform not just individuals but entire communities.
At Regxta, we’re not just employing agents; we’re empowering families, strengthening communities, and rewriting the story of financial access in Nigeria.
If you want to be part of this movement, whether as a customer, partner, or supporter, join us. Together, we’re building a future where every Nigerian community has the opportunity to thrive.
Rukayat Kolawole-Bello Afis Bello Chui Ventures Midlothian Angel Network Village Capital Segun Popoola CMA, FCA, CISA, CIA, CFE ‘Wale Salami Tomie Balogun Harry 'Tomi Davies Yemi S. Condia (formerly, Bendada.com) TechCabal Mastercard Foundation Seedstars Africa Ventures Grooming Endowment Hiro Mashita Asset & Resource Management Holding Company (ARM HoldCo).