Emmanuel Ochayi
The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO ITPO) in Nigeria has joined hands with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Sterling One Foundation, and other key stakeholders to foster digital transformation initiatives.
At the West African SMEs Exhibition in Abuja themed “MSMEs 4.0: Enhancing Quality, Productivity, Competitiveness, Resilience, and Sustainability in an Era of Digital Transformation,” the focus was on bolstering support for SMEs in Renewable, Digital, and Greentech sectors.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis effort aims to attract investments and green technology transfers from developed nations to Nigeria and select African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) countries, particularly those in transition, with a specific emphasis on SMEs.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Anite, represented by SMEDAN’s Director-General Charles Odii, highlighted the government’s dedication to establishing a technology incubation hub in Abuja, anticipating the generation of over a million jobs across various sectors in Nigeria.
Emphasizing UNIDO’s role, Ms. Abimbola Olufore, Head of UNIDO ITPO Nigeria, underlined the exhibition’s alignment with UNIDO’s mission to forge connections between investors, technology providers, and hasten sustainable solutions for development.
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, praised UNIDO ITPO’s leadership vision in enhancing sustainable funding opportunities for SMEs and MSMEs, particularly in green and clean technology.
Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, President of NASME, outlined the exhibition’s objective to facilitate meetings between MSMEs in technology and potential investors, grant providers, and financial institutions. He highlighted the platform’s utility in fostering engagement and identifying businesses requiring support.
