In a bid to create a robust and sustainable business model for small businesses and medium-scale entrepreneurs across the Northeast subregion, a two-day workshop has been organized under the Support to Potential and Existing Nature-Positive MSMEs, (SPENM) Programme.
The event, held in Bauchi, was in collaboration with global partners, and is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools, to compete favorably in international markets.
Small and medium-scale entrepreneurs from the six states of the Northeast have converged on Bauchi, for a capacity-building training, aimed at enhancing market access, and global competitiveness for MSMEs.
According to the Director of Export Development, Abdullahi Aliyu, and the Technical Adviser from the International Trade Facilitators Association, the initiative is part of a strategy to diversify Nigeria’s economy, from oil dependency, to non-oil sectors, particularly by strengthening the agricultural value chain.
As the initiative places emphasis on empowering disadvantaged groups, within the society, organizers acknowledged the notable participation of women entrepreneurs, especially from the Northeast, as a vital step, toward inclusive economic growth.
For many of the participants who already engaged in various forms of local entrepreneurship, the training presents a timely opportunity, to build capacity, enhance product value, and scale their businesses, to meet global standards for sustainable economic development.
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The initiative is being championed by the International Trade Facilitators Association, (ITFA), with funding from the Global Environment Facility–Small Grants Programme, (GEF-SGP) and expert implementation by the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP).
Editor : Ena Agbanoma