Market access, one of the greatest challenges facing MSMEs according to the United Nations, is set to be the focal point of discussion at this year’s MSMEs Today conference.
Market access, which means freedom to enter a market and sell goods or services, is so far vulnerable to framework conditions in which MSMEs operate.
Via a platform that will elevate discussions and provide practical guidance, the MSMEs Today conference will focus on markets, technology, branding, and funding for all MSMEs and focus
groups across all sectors of the economy.
The 2023 edition of this event scheduled to hold at Alausa, Ikeja, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference and Exhibition Centre, on May 17, is designed to help MSME-focused organisations understand, learn, acquire, and adapt the technology required to
remain profitable and play the expected role of becoming the engine room for the economic growth and development of the nation.
It is also supposed to further strengthen/empower MSMEs to meet job creation and employment demands in line with the expectations of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement, and the African Union Development Agency initiatives.
The Bank of Industry, Nigeria’s development institution that provides financial intermediation and assistance to MSMEs, has also declared its support for the conference.
Wale Fasanya, SMEDAN’s DG, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour and will be joined by facilitators made up of digital marketing, branding, banking, business, and financial management experts, IT professionals, and SMEDAN facilitators who have experience in providing services for MSMEs.
Some of the facilitators include Friday Okpara, director of partnership & coordination, SMEDAN; Michael Abiodun Arokodare, chairman, First Ally Asset Management Limited; Damilola Aransiola, chief growth officer, WhoGoHost (a digital marketing company); Hyacinth Aneke, business mentor & leadership coach; Seyi Olawunmi, performance strategist & leadership development consultant and Tale Alimi, tech-focused SME consultant.
As of 2022, there are over 39.65 million MSMEs that created over 16.04 million jobs. Out of this number, about 9.99 million of them exist in the agribusiness sector.
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In 2023, it is projected that there will be about 47.58 million MSMEs in Nigeria and they are projected to provide over 19.25 million jobs.
The data above reinforces that MSMEs are catalysts for the economic growth and development of any nation capable of helping in industrialisation and solving the huge negative impact
created by youth unemployment if they are supported to be active, productive, and thriving.
It is for this very reason that we are providing MSMEs across the country with the opportunity to understand how to identify markets, – local, sub-regional, regional, and international –, what
they require to access the markets, and how they can grow, scale, sustain and run their businesses profitably.
