AEA Initiative to Empower SMEs in the Nation’s Capital

The Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) is gearing up to establish a cutting-edge Digital Academy aimed at enhancing the capacity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the nation’s capital. This announcement came from Mr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, the acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEA, during a media parley on the Agency’s activities and future plans.

The Digital Academy is envisioned as a centralized hub to deepen SMEs’ business activities and create new market opportunities. Additionally, plans are underway to set up a world-class Automobile Service Centre and Pantaka Enterprise Incubation Hub, offering a platform for young individuals to harness their potentials productively. The overarching goal is to position Abuja as a leading city for entrepreneurial development in Nigeria.

In line with its objectives, AEA aims to support the growth of 150,000 MSMEs, extend business development services to cover 50,000 MSMEs, enhance entrepreneurial ecosystem coordination, and establish FCT as a clean energy city.

Highlighting the Agency’s achievements, Mr. Ezirigwe outlined key milestones achieved during the review period. These include financing for 4,761 businesses, entrepreneurship sensitization for 9,557 individuals, business support services for 3,691 rural entrepreneurs across the FCT’s six Area Councils, dialogue sessions between MSMEs and Regulatory Organizations, and community engagement initiatives such as the rehabilitation of the Cassava Processing Centre in Chikuku, Kwali Area Council, and the revitalization of the Shea Butter Project Concept in Abaji Area Council.

Acknowledging corporate partnerships, the acting MD recognized the European Union, KOICA, JICA, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), SMEDAN, and NIDTA for their contributions in supporting the growth of SMEs, staff capacity building, business registration facilitation, business funding, and IT training for AEA staff, among others.

Mr. Ezirigwe assured the continued support of AEA’s management and staff to the Honourable Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and the Honourable Minister of State, FCT, Hajiya Mariya Momoud, in their endeavors to provide enduring infrastructure in Abuja in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.