The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission are working on measures to attract more investment into businesses owned by young Nigerians.
The initiative was discussed on Tuesday when the NIPC Executive Secretary, Aisha Rimi, led her team to the SMEDAN headquarters in Abuja for a meeting with the agency’s Director General, Charles Odii.
The two agencies discussed ways to help young entrepreneurs access investment, mentorship and the skills needed to build and expand their businesses.
The officials also examined plans for the forthcoming SMEDAN-NIPC Summit, which is expected to provide a platform for discussions on investment opportunities and support for Nigerian businesses.
The meeting focused on strengthening the business environment for young entrepreneurs and helping them develop enterprises that can compete in the market.
A joint statement issued after the meeting said young Nigerians needed access to capital, knowledge, business networks, mentorship and opportunities to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
The statement said, “Nigeria’s entrepreneurial future is bright. Our responsibility is to ensure that our young people have the capital, knowledge, networks, mentorship and opportunities required to turn their ideas into enterprises that create jobs, drive innovation and build prosperity.”
According to the joint statement, supporting young entrepreneurs would help increase job creation, innovation and economic activity.
The meeting also formed part of efforts to support the Federal Government’s focus on creating a business environment where new and existing enterprises can grow.
SMEDAN and NIPC said they would continue to work on initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and strengthening the country’s business ecosystem.
