ECOWAS SME Partnership Conference and Exhibition with NASME sets new strategies for business success
The ECOWAS SME Partnership Conference and Exhibition was effectively conducted by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME). This extraordinary event provided a crucial forum for SME and SMI development and promotion stakeholders to collaborate and identify workable strategies to support the expansion and growth of MSMEs in the region. It was painstakingly organized within the framework of the ECOWAS MSME Charter 2021–2030 and Private Sector Development Strategy.
In particular, the creation of Technical Working Groups to work toward the establishment of the respective platforms set in motion the modalities for the establishment of the Regional Small Business Development Partnership Platform (RSBD-PP), which functions to mobilize and channel partner support for MSMEs, and the Regional Small Business Coalition (RSBC), which serves as the coordinating and apex regional MSME platform.
The dignitaries and well-known people who attended the opening ceremony demonstrated the significance of this occasion. The irrefutable significance of SMEs in developed and developing countries alike was underlined by Rt. Hon. James Shaibu Barka, Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, in a speech on behalf of the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
He emphasized the National Assembly’s steadfast dedication to passing laws that promote an atmosphere in Nigeria that is favorable for SMEs. He also praised the initiative’s organizers, pointing out that it will undoubtedly spur SME development and expansion across the region.
The DG of SMEDAN, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to the theme of SME 4.0 in a powerful speech. In line with the digital transformation period, this subject places a high priority on improving quality, productivity, competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability.
Mrs. Uzoka-Anite, whose speech was skillfully given by her assistant, outlined the Ministry’s commitment to assisting MSMEs in embracing the digital era by arming them with the essential resources and know-how to successfully negotiate the constantly changing business environment. She also disclosed the establishment of a N1 billion fund specifically for women’s and youth businesses across the country.
The ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Her Excellency, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, reported on the advancements made by the Commission in creating regional policies and regulations and in creating an environment that is favorable to the expansion and prosperity of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the sub-region.
She emphasized that these successes cover a broad range of topics, including regulatory improvements, enterprise education, regional partnerships, the creation of specialized development corridors, and vital financial support for small and medium-sized businesses in the area. Ms. Toure-Litse cordially invited everyone in attendance to become acquainted with the ECOWAS SME Charter 2021–2030, highlighting its comprehensive features that are intended to promote the expansion and development of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
An significant step toward the economic prosperity and empowerment of West African firms, particularly the small and medium-sized ones, is this historic ECOWAS SME Conference and Exhibition.
