Yesterday marked a significant milestone for SMEDAN as we officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), reinforcing our shared commitment to achieving Nigeria’s #GROWNigerian strategy. This strategic collaboration represents a crucial step in promoting small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth and fostering digital transformation across the country.
The partnership between SMEDAN and GIZ focuses on equipping Nigerian SMEs with the tools, resources, and training needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. A central component of this initiative is the Inspire, Create, Start, and Scale (ICSS) program, which will provide entrepreneurs with comprehensive training designed to enhance their business management skills, foster innovation, and unlock new growth opportunities. Additionally, SMEs will gain access to infrastructure, including cutting-edge digital tools that will enable them to scale their operations, improve efficiency, and expand their market reach.
This initiative is set to not only build the capacity of local businesses but also empower entrepreneurs to maximize their potential and contribute to Nigeria’s broader economic development. By strengthening management practices and providing the necessary resources, this partnership aims to create an enabling environment for SMEs to overcome challenges and accelerate their growth.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Markus Wauschkuhn, Head of the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster at GIZ Nigeria, and his team for their unwavering dedication to making this partnership a reality. Their commitment to supporting the development of Nigeria’s SME sub-sector is inspiring, and we are confident that this collaboration will yield transformative results for small businesses across the country.
Together, SMEDAN and GIZ are setting the stage for a brighter, more prosperous future for Nigerian entrepreneurs. This partnership aligns with our long-term vision of fostering a thriving SME ecosystem, where businesses can flourish, contribute to job creation, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey to empower Nigerian SMEs and support their continued success.
