Alerzo, in collaboration with Mastercard and the USAID-funded e-Trade Alliance, has successfully completed a nine-month digital transformation program, empowering over 10,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across South-West Nigeria.
The initiative, announced by Alerzo on Friday, was designed to address challenges faced by MSMEs, particularly in:
- Supply chain complexities
- Manual inventory management
- Limited access to financial services
Key Digital Solutions
The program introduced MSMEs to two major digital tools:
- Alerzoshop: A B2B digital marketplace that enhances suppliers’ access.
- Veedez: A digital payment and business management tool that also includes micro-lending services to support MSMEs’ financial needs.
These solutions aimed to streamline operations, improve business efficiency, and enable MSMEs to access innovative financing options.
Digital Literacy Training
As part of the program, digital literacy training sessions were conducted across key locations in South-West Nigeria, including Ibadan, Sagamu, and Abeokuta. The sessions focused on:
- Navigating the digital economy
- Enhancing operational efficiency
- Leveraging digital tools for business growth
Business owners were trained on using Alerzoshop and Veedez, which included hands-on sessions to help participants understand how to use these platforms effectively.
Key Stakeholder Statements
- Adewale Opaleye, CEO of Alerzo Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to empowering MSMEs through digital tools and skills, stating:
“We’re delighted to have collaborated with Mastercard, USAID, and the e-Trade Alliance for this project, as it reflects our dedication to connecting MSMEs in Nigeria to a world where digital connectivity is integrated into their businesses, making them more sustainable and profitable.” - Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard, emphasized the importance of digital tools for MSMEs, saying:
“Efforts like this collaboration with Alerzo and the e-Trade Alliance can unlock immense possibilities for local economies and communities.”
Michael Poor, Senior Manager at Nextrade Group, the implementing partner for the e-Trade Alliance, highlighted the value of public-private sector collaboration, noting:
“Together with Alerzo and Mastercard, we are committed to empowering small businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed and to power more inclusive, sustainable growth in Nigeria.”
Implications for Nigerian MSMEs
This collaboration provides practical solutions to overcome the financial literacy gap and reliance on traditional processes that many MSMEs in Nigeria face. With a growing shift towards digital adoption, this initiative plays a key role in:
- Empowering local economies
- Improving financial access and business efficiency
- Fostering inclusive growth through technological adoption
By equipping MSMEs with digital tools and skills, the program aims to help businesses become more competitive and resilient in the digital economy.
