The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the International Trade and Finance Academy (ITFA) to launch a sustainability-focused training and grant initiative targeted at Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative, launched under the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), is designed to empower Nigerian MSMEs with skills, coaching, and funding to scale environmentally friendly businesses and tap into global export markets.
Speaking during the launch and training workshop of the SPEMN Sustainability Coaching Programme in Lagos, Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of GEF-SGP, explained that the program aims to promote inclusive growth through nature-positive entrepreneurship.
“Since inception, the program has implemented over 200 projects across more than 200 communities in 30 states,” Olubamise said. “Now, we’re helping civil society organizations transition to social enterprise models that ensure sustainability beyond grant funding.”
Olubamise revealed that several participating organisations are already developing safe, nature-based products as alternatives to chemical-laden goods. These include moringa-based health products and energy-efficient solutions aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
To scale such innovations, UNDP is offering grants of up to $50,000 to qualified organisations working on environmental sustainability and improving rural livelihoods. About 60 businesses are expected to benefit in the pilot phase.
“Through this initiative, we aim to nurture sustainable enterprises that can stand on their own while improving both the environment and community wellbeing,” she added.
Prince Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador of the International Trade Facilitators Association, emphasized the importance of building capacity among MSMEs in underserved areas.
“MSMEs represent over 70% of Nigeria’s real economy,” he noted. “But many community-led initiatives collapse after initial funding ends. What they need is long-term coaching, strategy, and access to markets.”
He confirmed that each participant will undergo nine months of follow-up coaching to help implement lessons from the program.
Feyisayo Borisade, CEO of Alpha B Igbemo & Ofada Rice Processing Co. Ltd., who is among the beneficiaries, expressed optimism that the programme would expand her business’s export potential.
“Beyond growing my company, I want to train others, especially young graduates, on how to build sustainable businesses instead of waiting on government jobs,” she said.
This UNDP-ITFA collaboration marks a critical step toward building a new generation of environmentally conscious, export-ready MSMEs in Nigeria. By combining grants with intensive coaching, the program offers both immediate and long-term support to businesses committed to sustainability, innovation, and community impact.
