The National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) in Nigeria and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) ITPO have partnered to uplift small businesses in West Africa. This collaboration aims to address challenges faced by SMEs and foster their growth and sustainability in the region.
The 2023 West Africa Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Exhibition, jointly organized by NASME and UNIDO ITPO, concluded in Abuja with significant achievements. The event served as a platform to enhance visibility and market access for SMEs in West Africa.
The exhibition also facilitated valuable partnerships between SMEs, financial institutions, and government agencies. It equipped SMEs with enhanced knowledge and skills to thrive in a competitive market. Moreover, it provided increased access to financing and investment opportunities, and advocated for policy reforms supporting SME growth.
Key outcomes of the event included the adoption of the West Africa SME Exhibition as an annual event and the establishment of a unified West African MSME Forum/Council through a signed Memorandum of Association.
The exhibition featured policy dialogues, awards, industry panel discussions, and focused on themes like women and youth empowerment, as well as obstacles faced by SMEs in accessing financial resources. Noteworthy sessions included matchmaking and pitching sessions, where selected SMEs presented projects in areas such as renewable energy, AI, clean tech, and food processing.
Sterling Bank unveiled a zero-interest financial opportunity for SMEs, capturing positive investor attention. The top pitch was rewarded with enrollment in the MSME 4.0 programme, financial assistance, enhanced market presence, networking opportunities, recognition, empowerment, and access to empowerment capital.
During the event, Mr. George Odii, Director-General of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), announced a N1 billion grant to NASME for youth-driven ventures in Nigeria. This initiative, involving 15 ECOWAS member states, places emphasis on MSME 4.0.
Dr. Enobong Umoessien, ECOWAS PPO Business and Enterprise Promotion Private Sector, inaugurated the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition Steering Committee, with Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima of NASME as the chairman.
The exhibition, a hub for networking, knowledge exchange, and policy discussions, drew over 300 attendees from Nigeria and other West African member states. Exhibitors from both Anglophone and Francophone regions showcased tailored offerings for SMEs, including organizations like MTN MOMO, Sterling Bank, DBN, and Police Microfinance Bank.
