Lagos launches SME export training programme

 





The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Afreximbank and ImpactHER, has launched a six-week training programme for 253 SMEs to boost export promotion efforts.

 


After the training, 20 outstanding SMEs will be selected to attend the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria, scheduled for September 2025.


 


Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folasade Ambrose, announced this during the programme’s launch in Alausa, Ikeja.


 


She said the initiative aims to broaden the reach of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and recognise their role in economic development.


 


Ambrose described the opportunity as a gateway to 1.3 billion consumers across Africa, attracting buyers, investors, and policy influencers.


 


She added the programme would help position Lagos-based businesses as globally competitive exporters, fostering wealth creation and job opportunities.


 


Ambrose noted that export readiness is vital in today’s economic landscape, especially with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in operation.


 


She stressed that MSMEs must evolve from local players into active participants in Africa’s continental trade scene.


 


Lagos and Nigeria are seen as West Africa’s economic powerhouses, but growth demands forward motion and global engagement.


 


Ambrose said the programme would serve as a vehicle to access new markets and deepen intra-African commerce.


 


She thanked Afreximbank and ImpactHER, saying the partnership supports the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.


 


This agenda aims to transform Lagos into a 21st-century economy and promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth.


 


Ambrose said many MSMEs face export barriers like inadequate packaging, regulatory hurdles, poor certification, and weak financial knowledge.


 


She added that the training is designed to address these gaps and equip MSMEs with practical export skills.


 


Topics include export documentation, packaging standards, trade finance, logistics, customs, AfCFTA strategies, digital trade, and gender-responsive exporting.


 


She said Lagos, with its diverse economy and vast informal market, is well-placed to lead Nigeria’s export drive.


 


She urged trainees to view the programme not just as training, but as a launchpad to global markets.


 


Also speaking, Director of SME Development at Afreximbank, Mr Ody Akhanoba, addressed participants virtually from Cairo, Egypt.


 


He said the programme provides vital value-chain support to drive export growth across African markets.


 


Akhanoba revealed that Afreximbank allocated $18.7 billion for SME training in 2024 across 27 countries, including support for women and youth.


 


For 2025, the bank plans to support over 3,000 SMEs across 38 African and 7 Caribbean nations.


 


He stated that the Lagos partnership is a major stepping stone for SMEs aiming to scale their businesses beyond borders.


 


According to Akhanoba, SMEs who excel during the training will be supported beyond September.


 


The Lagos State Government said selected trainees will serve as the state’s official Export Ambassadors.

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