The federal government has welcomed a partnership with the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Germany to enhance vocational education and boost the capacity of Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The collaboration was discussed during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the German chamber to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in Abuja on Thursday.
President of the Giessen Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. Matthias Leder who led the delegation said his team was in the office to formally invited the minister to attend the 2025 edition of “The World Meets in Giessen,” describing it as a “Davos for SMEs”—a global platform where small businesses can engage, network, and attract investments.
Speaking at the meeting, managing partner of Bruit Costaud, Lai Mohammed said Nigeria’s participation in “THE WORLD MEETS IN GIESSEN” presents a unique opportunity to: showcase Nigeria’s SME potential to international investors and business leaders, attract foreign direct investment and forge strategic partnerships and promote economic diversification by connecting Nigerian businesses with global supply chains.
The Nigeria former minister of information said Abubakar’s attendance will also enhance policy dialogue on SME financing, innovation, and industrialisation.
The conference is designed to provide a similar platform for SMEs to engage, network, and explore opportunities for growth beyond borders. The conference serves as a bridge between global investors and small businesses, creating pathways for cross-border trade, technology transfer, and business expansion.
He said Nigeria’s participation in the event would showcase the country’s SME potential to international investors, foster foreign direct investment, and strengthen global trade partnerships.
In response, Bagudu commended the Giessen Chamber for its commitment to vocational training and SME development. He emphasised the need for Nigeria to embrace industrialisation and innovation to compete globally.
“We don’t want our young people to leave the country out of necessity. We want them to have the choice to travel, not the compulsion,” Bagudu said.
The minister assured the delegation that the Nigerian government is ready to remove any transactional barriers that could hinder the success of the partnership. He accepted the invitation to participate in the Giessen forum and pledged to work closely with the German chamber to ensure that Nigerian SMEs benefit from the collaboration.
