Doyin Olawaiye, Head of Component, Economic Education and Entrepreneurship (GIZ-SEDIN), expressed that the GIZ’s Pro-Poor Growth and Advancement of Employment in Nigeria Programme -SEDIN seeks to enhance the employment and earnings of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Olawaiye made this declaration during a full-day Entrepreneur and MSMEs marketplace exhibition themed: Leveraging local markets for global access, which took place in Plateau State and was organized by GOPA Worldwide Consultant with support from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, BMZ; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ GmbH.
She indicated that the beneficiaries targeted by SEDIN include MSMEs’ proprietors, workers, and individuals from other economically active low-income households.
As per her statement, the Programme operates at the federal, state, and local tiers and is currently active in nine priority states, specifically Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Niger, Edo, and Abia.
“GIZ-SEDIN is enhancing MSMEs by offering technical assistance that extends beyond mere training; we also furnish opportunities and platforms for integration into the entrepreneurial ecosystem, connections to business support, and chances to present to potential partners and investors.
“One significant method to provide such a platform is through an MSME exhibition, a showcase offering opportunities for MSMEs and partner organizations to capitalize on. This exhibition is aimed at reinforcing the market and financial connections that have been cultivated over time during the initiative. Additionally, this exhibition is designed to elevate partner organizations’ credibility, acknowledgment, and significance in the State.”
Further outlining the anticipated results, the Head of Component for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship (GIZ-SEDIN) noted that they include “enabling MSMEs to access market prospects, facilitating linking opportunities for MSMEs and partner organizations, and offering a platform for stakeholders to pinpoint potential MSMEs they could engage with.”
Adamu Bala, a prominent development specialist who also contributed to the discussion, stressed that the primary objectives of the event were to intentionally and effectively bridge the disconnect between stakeholders in the MSMEs ecosystem, showcase the outcomes of the project’s initiatives to local and international partners, and foster a platform for connections and networking among MSMEs, partner organizations, and ecosystem participants.
In his comments, the State Governor, Simon Lalong, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Profesor Danladi Atu, commended GIZ for supporting the government in empowering citizens and pledged ongoing assistance.
