Numou, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has launched Procurement Financing, a flagship initiative designed to solve a critical challenge for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE. The new solution creates a direct link between guaranteed government or corporate contract demand and accessible financing, bridging a significant funding gap through Numou’s digital platform.
Bridging the SME Funding Gap
The Procurement Financing initiative is engineered to ensure that SMEs with secured government or corporate contracts no longer face cash flow impediments that can hinder their ability to deliver. By enabling lenders to assess funding applications against confirmed contractual opportunities rather than traditional collateral, the platform streamlines the lending process and empowers small businesses to execute projects immediately. This model addresses one of the most pressing challenges for SMEs, allowing them to scale operations and fulfill their commitments effectively.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, praised the initiative, stating, “Numou is actively supporting SMEs by improving access to financing. By streamlining the lending process and connecting businesses to a wider network of financial institutions, Numou makes it simpler and faster for SMEs to secure capital. Designed to serve SME needs, Numou will continue expanding the resources and tools available to help businesses grow from Abu Dhabi, complementing Hub71’s broader mission to nurture a thriving ecosystem.”
A Collaborative Ecosystem of Lenders
Numou’s digital lending marketplace is supported by a robust ecosystem of partners, bringing together both innovative fintech lenders and established government programs. The platform features fintech partners including CredibleX, Erad, Klubwork, Ahbi, Zelo, and FlapKap. It also integrates government initiatives such as the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development’s Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program, creating a comprehensive support network for entrepreneurs.
Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, remarked, “Our collaboration with Numou aligns with our goal to empower entrepreneurs, ensuring that SMEs who win government and corporate contracts can seamlessly access financing to deliver on their commitments. This initiative reflects our shared vision of positioning SMEs as strategic enablers of economic diversification and building a resilient private sector in the UAE.”
Building the UAE’s First SME Data Warehouse
Beyond the immediate financing solution, Numou has outlined an ambitious long-term vision to build the UAE’s first SME Data Warehouse. This national platform will aggregate and connect SME data from government entities, corporate partners, and financial institutions through secure channels. The goal is to provide lenders with real-time, data-driven insights for more efficient credit decisions, reducing the reliance on traditional financial statements and collateral.
“Our vision is to build the UAE’s first SME Data Warehouse, providing lenders with real-time insights and creating a stronger foundation for long-term SME growth and economic diversification,” said Mohamed Al Binali, General Manager of Numou. This data-centric infrastructure is designed to strengthen the entire SME ecosystem and support the UAE’s broader economic goals.
About Numou
Numou is a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi. It is focused on empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by providing innovative solutions to enhance access to financing. Through its digital platform and strategic partnerships, Numou aims to solve critical funding challenges and build the necessary data infrastructure to support a resilient and diversified private sector in the UAE.
Source: Zawya
