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GIZ-MOVE Collaborates with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council for SME/GTA loop Training

 Mr. Florian Winckler, the team lead, GIZ-MOVE, giving remarks for the opening of the SME/GTA loop training.

The Market Oriented value-chain for jobs and growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project, in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on Wednesday, 17th April 2024, kicked off the SME/GTA loop Training in NEPC Hall Maitama, Abuja.

The training session opened with inspiring words from Florian Winckler, the Team Lead of the GIZ-MOVE project. He welcomed the participants warmly, expressing profound gratitude to the funding partners; BMZ, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the European Union for their relentless support of sustainable agricultural practices in Africa. He also thanked the Nigerian Export Promotion Council for their readiness to engage in fruitful collaborations.

Mr. Florian Winckler highlighted the transformative essence of the training, emphasizing its focus not just on empowering women but on dismantling the deep-seated structures perpetuating inequality. He challenged stereotypes, biases and norms, urging every participant to adopt policies and mindsets that champion inclusivity. This approach is intended to cultivate an environment where individuals, irrespective of gender, can maximize their contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.

 Madam Evelyn Obidike, the director product development, Nigerian export promotion council (NEPC), giving a welcome speech to all participants for the SME/GTA Loop training

The workshop, facilitated by Janet Abuo, a consultant from the International SME Loop Board, welcomed 20 distinguished participants from various notable organizations including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Cocoa Research Institute (CRIN), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS). The training tackled three major challenges commonly faced by SMEs: inadequate business knowledge and management skills, a lack of guidance for change and development, and insufficient financial resources for business expansion.

The outcomes expected from the training and subsequent coaching support are promising. Participating enterprises are anticipated to experience a surge in enterprise turnover, an expansion in client base, formalization of business relationships, reduction in production costs and increased investment.

The initiation of the SME Business Training and Coaching session marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards empowering SMEs in the ECOWAS region. Through such collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives like the SME-Loop, the project aims to unlock the full potential of SMEs, driving sustainable growth and fostering inclusive prosperity throughout the region.

This initiative is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in overcoming the barriers that SMEs face, setting a precedent for future endeavors aimed at economic empowerment across the region.