Lagos, Afreximbank, partner to boost SMEs’ export capacity
The Lagos State Government, via its Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, has teamed up with the African Export-Import Bank and the non-profit organization ImpactHer to introduce the Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme.The initiative, which was announced in a statement released on Sunday, aims to provide Small and Medium Enterprises with the necessary skills and assistance to grow beyond Nigeria, aligning with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
During the opening ceremony of the Export Readiness Training Programme, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, referred to the launch as a pivotal moment in the state’s dedication to enhancing international trade involvement among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
She emphasized that this initiative represents a significant move toward transforming businesses based in Lagos into competitive exporters on a global scale, with the capacity to create jobs, generate wealth, and stimulate economic growth in both Lagos and Nigeria. Ambrose also mentioned that 253 SMEs have been chosen to take part in the programme.
“The idea of export readiness is not merely a current buzzword but a crucial economic necessity.
In a time characterized by regional integration and the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area, we cannot allow our dynamic enterprises to remain limited to domestic markets.
“Our MSMEs must transition from local leaders to continental players. Nigeria, particularly Lagos State, has historically been recognized as the economic powerhouse of West Africa. However, simply being an engine isn't sufficient if we fail to move forward. This programme serves as the means to expand into new markets, beyond our borders, and into the forefront of intra-African trade,” she explained.
She pointed out that the week-long training has been thoughtfully designed to clarify the export process, furnish participants with practical skills, and offer a straightforward path for engaging in cross-border commerce.
According to her, the training, set to commence on July 4, 2025, will include intensive sessions addressing critical subjects like export documentation and regulatory compliance, international packaging and labeling standards, trade finance and export credit guarantees, logistics and customs procedures, market entry tactics under the AfCFTA, digital trade and e-commerce, along with gender-focused exporting tailored for women-led MSMEs.
“And that’s just the beginning. At the conclusion of this training, 20 exceptional participants will be chosen to represent Lagos at the Intra-African Trade Fair planned for Algiers, Algeria, in September 2025. This Fair opens doors to over 1.3 billion consumers and presents an opportunity to connect with buyers, investors, partners, and policymakers from across the continent. Our selected trainees will become Lagos’ Export Ambassadors,” she added.
In his comments, the Director of SME Development at Afreximbank, Mr. Ody Akhanoba, commended the selected beneficiaries, describing their selection as proof of their dedication to developing successful export-oriented businesses. He also noted that the initiative mirrors the bank’s greater objective of enhancing Africa’s engagement in global trade.
Akhanoba stressed that providing SMEs with essential resources through focused capacity-building programmes offers a critical chance to increase the continent’s export share.
“We are on the verge of enhancing the SMEs’ ability to be more competitive in the marketplace. With this in mind, we have implemented concrete measures to encourage the involvement of SMEs in the African environment through strategic interventions, such as facilitating trade and financing, capacity building, and market access,” he remarked.
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