Connect with us

Empowerment

Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme Empowers Businesses for Global Trade

Published

10 months ago

on

Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme

The Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme empowers 253 small businesses with tools for cross-border trade under AfCFTA and international market access

The Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme has officially launched to equip small and medium-sized enterprises with the tools needed to expand into international markets.

Also read: Wema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)

The initiative, driven by the Lagos State Government in partnership with Afreximbank and the not-for-profit organisation ImpactHER, targets 253 selected SMEs with training on export readiness under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, said the launch marks a defining chapter in the state’s commitment to scaling local enterprises beyond national borders.

“Our MSMEs must evolve from local champions to continental contenders,” she said.

“This programme is the vehicle that will drive us into new markets, beyond borders, and into the centre of intra-African commerce.”

The training, which began on July 4, covers vital areas such as export documentation, trade finance, logistics, product packaging standards, digital trade, and gender-responsive strategies for women-led MSMEs.

According to organisers, the sessions are designed to demystify exporting and build the practical skills needed to thrive beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Participants will also receive mentorship following the four-week training.

The most outstanding 20 SMEs will be selected to represent Lagos at the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers this September, offering access to over 1.3 billion consumers.

Mr Ody Akhanoba, Director of SME Development at Afreximbank, noted that the bank’s investment in SME training will boost Africa’s global trade presence.

“We are turning on the SME’s capacity to be more competitive in the market,” he said.

Clementina Uzogor, representing ImpactHER, stressed that the six-week training is a strategic opportunity for participants to network, scale operations and tap into wider continental trade channels.

Also read: Access Bank Partners SME.NG To Launch Ebi Marketplace

With Lagos at the forefront of Nigeria’s commerce, the Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme signals a bold step towards transforming the state’s economic narrative through global trade participation.

56 / 100
Powered by Rank Math SEO
SEO Score
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Breaking Update

Rotary District 9112 Boosts Education with ₦14.9m Scholarship for Students

Published

4 days ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

Rotary

Rotary District 9112 awards ₦14.9 million scholarships to 23 students in Lagos and Ogun States under its educational welfare programme (more…)

74 / 100
Powered by Rank Math SEO
SEO Score
Continue Reading

Economy

UBEC Releases N5.18bn Boost for Nigerian Basic Education Reform

Published

2 weeks ago

on

April 24, 2026

By

UBEC

UBEC N5.18bn education intervention launched to improve schools, boost retention, and reduce out-of-school children across Nigeria

(more…)

69 / 100
Powered by Rank Math SEO
SEO Score
Continue Reading

Empowerment

AICL Partners AEA for Second Edition of Youth Hunt Competition… Opens application portal, targets ages 18–40 years

Published

3 weeks ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

The Abuja Investments Company Limited has launched the second edition of the Abuja Young Entrepreneurs Hunt Competition in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency, targeting innovators aged 18 to 40 years across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, AEA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, said the initiative builds on the success of its maiden edition and is aimed at expanding opportunities for young Nigerians in key sectors.

According to him, the application portal, www.Ayehunt.com, opened at midnight and will remain accessible to eligible applicants, with the programme widely publicised media platforms.

He described the competition as a strategic platform to tackle youth unemployment by promoting creativity, innovation, and enterprise development among graduates and skilled youths.

He added that meaningful economic growth requires deliberate investment in human capital alongside infrastructure.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe noted that the 2026 programme will focus on three priority areas—Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Creative Industries, particularly Fashion, and Agriculture.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of AICL, Amb.  Maureen Tamuno PhD represented by Chief Investment Officer Abiodun Akanbi, described the partnership as a forward-looking investment in the FCT’s economic future.

According to her, the programme is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and funding opportunities needed to transform ideas into viable businesses.

She added that the initiative will provide participants access to business development support and opportunities to pitch their ideas to investors, noting that such platforms are critical to building sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Tamuno also highlighted improvements in the FCT’s business climate, citing its rise in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)rankings from 31st to 4th position as evidence of ongoing reforms.

The event featured a testimonial from Fatima Bello Suleiman, first runner-up of the inaugural edition, who credited the programme with boosting her confidence and opening new professional opportunities.

Organisers urged eligible youths to apply, assuring that the competition will be transparent, impactful, and transformative

53 / 100
Powered by Rank Math SEO
SEO Score
Continue Reading

Trending News