The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria says it will partner the German International Agency and Mastercard to boost micro, small and medium enterprises development in Nigeria.

Charles Odii, director-general of SMEDAN, said this in a statement on  Wednesday.

Mr Odii said the organisations were set to host the 2024 National MSME Conference, which would ensure the partnership.

SMEDAN chief described the event as the most significant convergence of entrepreneurs, policymakers, enablers, public-private sector stakeholders, and supporting institutions in Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

“The conference will focus on driving development in the MSME sector within the eight key sectors identified in the Grow Nigerian strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s local production potential and raise export revenue. This will be achieved through the provision of guidance, opportunities, resources, and workforce support to SMEs by SMEDAN,” he said.

The SMEDAN director-general named the sectors to include agriculture, light manufacturing, fashion, creative and entertainment, digital and innovation, tourism, and education.

He said Nigeria’s most successful entrepreneurs and renowned experts have confirmed their attendance at the event.

According to Mr Odii, the conference activities will include one-stop shops featuring heads of government agencies and financial and compliance organisations.

He listed the organisations to include National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Customs and the Bank of Industry (BOI).

Others are Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), among others.

Mr Odii said that Google, the UN, and other prominent thought leaders, including Chude Jideonwo, the Co-founder of Red Media and Joy Inc., would lead masterclasses focused on digital skills development.

(NAN)