Adesola Jimmy-Eboma, the visionary CEO of Small-Scale Enterprise Lab (SSE Lab), is ushering in a new era of entrepreneurial development across Africa with the launch of the second cohort of the Manufacturing Business Accelerator (MBA) Programme. This 12-week virtual course, set to kick off on April 20, 2025, and conclude with a business shower on July 17, 2025, will offer aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent the opportunity to acquire critical business skills and gain the confidence to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.
The MBA programme, which has become one of SSE Lab’s flagship initiatives, is designed to guide participants through a rigorous, practical learning experience aimed at developing their manufacturing-based business ideas. According to Jimmy-Eboma, the second cohort is geared towards helping participants focus on actionable outcomes, ensuring they graduate with a tangible product, well-defined marketing strategies, and a comprehensive business plan. This approach marks a shift toward real-world application, prioritizing practical execution over theoretical learning.
“This programme is not just about learning; it’s about doing. We want every participant to leave this programme not just with knowledge but with a fully developed product, a clear market strategy, and a roadmap for business success,” Jimmy-Eboma stated. “By the end of the three months, they’ll have a complete, ready-to-launch business plan that they can pitch with confidence.”
The comprehensive curriculum is designed to cover all essential aspects of business development for product-based entrepreneurs. Participants will receive in-depth training in product design and prototyping, conducting market research, creating a robust business plan, branding and packaging, and navigating legal and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the course will offer strategic insights into sales and distribution, financial planning, and creating sustainable growth for businesses.
“We believe that entrepreneurship in Africa is the key to unlocking long-term economic growth, and this programme is focused on building businesses that are not only profitable but also sustainable,” Jimmy-Eboma explained. “This initiative is about more than just creating businesses; it’s about creating a movement that showcases the potential of African entrepreneurship.”
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural cohort, which took place from September to November 2024 at Radisson Blu in Ikeja, Jimmy-Eboma celebrated the impact of the programme. The first cohort culminated in a business shower where participants showcased their products, pitched their business plans, and networked with investors and industry professionals. The event provided an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs to receive feedback, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities.
“The inaugural cohort was a huge success. The feedback we received from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting how the programme gave them the practical tools and confidence to start their entrepreneurial journey,” Jimmy-Eboma said. One participant shared, “The programme was the exact push I needed to stop dreaming and start doing.” Another added, “The weekly structure gave me the confidence to finally launch and pitch my product with pride.”
The upcoming MBA cohort promises to build on this success, continuing to provide support for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Through a combination of hands-on mentorship, practical coursework, and networking opportunities, the programme will equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to scale their businesses and make an impact in the local and global markets.
SSE Lab’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of African entrepreneurs is clear, as the organisation aims to continue empowering individuals who are eager to create and grow businesses that will positively impact their communities and economies.
“The ultimate goal is to build a robust ecosystem of successful product-based businesses that are not just made in Africa but are created by Africans for the world,” Jimmy-Eboma concluded. “This programme is just one part of our broader vision to provide entrepreneurs across Africa with the tools, resources, and networks they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace.”
With an increasing number of entrepreneurs participating and the growth of the programme, SSE Lab is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future, one entrepreneur at a time.
