The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and the European Union have begun discussions on expanding market and investment opportunities for Nigerian small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The discussions took place in Abuja on Tuesday when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, led a delegation to the SMEDAN headquarters for an engagement with the agency’s Director General, Charles Odii.
The meeting focused on enterprise development, improving market access and creating opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises.
The stakeholders also discussed ways to increase patronage of Nigerian businesses by EU member states and attract more investment into the country’s enterprise sector.
The green and digital economies were identified as areas with significant opportunities for young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Officials said stronger international support could help entrepreneurs gain access to technology, skills, financing and wider markets needed to expand their businesses.
The EU delegation later toured SMEDAN’s Common Facility Centre and workshop, where it inspected facilities used to support enterprise development, innovation, skills acquisition and productivity.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for the delegation to interact with young entrepreneurs and small business owners.
SMEDAN said the discussions were aimed at creating practical opportunities for businesses and supporting inclusive economic growth.
“As Nigeria continues to build a more competitive and inclusive economy, SMEDAN remains committed to fostering partnerships that translate into tangible opportunities for our MSMEs and young entrepreneurs,” the agency stated.
The agency expressed appreciation to the European Union for its continued engagement and said it would continue working to strengthen Nigeria’s enterprise ecosystem.
