Abuja:The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced a project aimed at supporting 200 Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on women and under-represented groups, who will make up 67% of the beneficiaries.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of ACCI, revealed this during the inauguration of the Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth (TRISEG) project and its Stakeholders Workshop in Abuja. He stated that the initiative is designed to enhance the productivity, competitiveness, and resilience of SMEs, improving their access to larger markets and trade institutions for international competition.
The TRISEG project, funded by the Canadian Government through Global Affairs Canada and executed by Trade Facilitation Office Canada, is a five-year program from 2025 to 2030 across 16 developing countries. It aims to bolster Trade Support Institutions and help SMEs overcome growth challenges.
Obegolu highlighted that the project’s Climate Resilience Fund will offer technical assistance, digital resources, training, and investment plans to promote environmental sustainability. He urged stakeholders to identify barriers and support needs for women-owned businesses during the workshop.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with ACCI to fortify Nigeria’s trade sector. She noted that expanding trade involves more than just increasing exports; it requires building productive capacity, meeting international standards, and reducing trade costs.
The initiative also received commendations from Mr. Arash Irantalab of the High Commission of Canada, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, and Prof. Moji Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, for its potential to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth and SME competitiveness.