The International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has trained over 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Northeast zone on right structures, knowledge, and frameworks to align with financing and international standards to enable them scale their businesses and access global markets.
The training under the “Sustainability Coaching Program for Nature-Positive MSMEs in Nigeria (SPENM)” held at the SPESSE Centre of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi yesterday.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr. Abel Owotemu, Technical Advisor and Business Coach with ITFA, said the core programme was on Business Model Canvas, a globally recognized tool for analyzing and strengthening business value chains.
He said: “We are empowering MSMEs across Nigeria in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, implemented by UNDP in all six geopolitical zones to build capacity, strengthen value chains, and open new markets for Nigerian MSMEs.”
Dr. Owotemu revealed that the programme targets a total of 470 MSMEs in Nigeria. It commenced in Lafia, Nasarawa State for North Central with 60–70 participants, and the Bauchi session attracted over 50 MSMEs from Northeast zone.
He emphasised that the initiative is committed to market readiness, visibility, and certification, helping businesses meet international fair trade and procurement standards.
“Our goal is to ensure that MSMEs, whether based in Bauchi, Zamfara, or Maiduguri, are positioned not just for local relevance but for participation in global trade,” he noted.
He further highlighted that 65–70% of MSMEs in Nigeria are women-led, a trend strongly reflected in the Northeast session.
Dr. Owotemu announced that a national database of trained MSMEs is being created, “This database will facilitate continuous support, certification, and integration into international supply chains, increasing the chances of foreign market access and income in foreign currencies.”
“This creates new income opportunities and strengthens the long-term sustainability of these businesses,” he added.
On challenges observed, Owotemu cited individual capacity gaps, particularly in understanding technical concepts and communication, according to him to address these, the programme has deployed 15 to 20 experienced coaches across the regions, many fluent in local languages.
“These coaches provide hands-on mentoring, guidance, and practical feedback ensuring that no participant is left behind,” he said.
“This is not just about local empowerment. It is part of a broader international strategy to elevate Nigerian MSMEs and equip them to thrive in the global marketplace,” he concluded.
Also speaking, Mr. Abdullahi Sidi-Aliyu, Director of Export Trade Development at ITFA, described the SPENM initiative as a transformative platform aimed at building resilient and profitable social enterprises in Nigeria.
“Many of you may have experience with grants, but this program and any funding you may receive, is not an endpoint. It is catalytic funding a strategic springboard to help you grow, evolve, and become self-sustaining,” he noted.
He said the vision behind the SPENM programme is to help MSMEs generate profit while addressing critical environmental and social challenges, turning their ventures into models of sustainability and impact.
“We aim to help you build business models that are economically viable and integrated with nature-positive practices. Your operations should benefit the environment and community, this is the future of responsible enterprise,” Aliyu said.
Mr. Sidi-Aliyu explained that participants are introduced to Fair Trade principles, with special emphasis on the Fair for Life (FFL) certification an essential credential for accessing ethical and international markets.
He said, “Fair trade is more than a compliance tool. It offers a competitive edge, opening new markets, earning consumer trust, and positioning your brand as a responsible, impact-driven business.”
According to him, participants will also gain visibility through the soon-to-be-launched ITFA Directory, an online platform that will showcase nature-positive and socially responsible enterprises to global investors, buyers, and partners.
In addition to the core training, he said MSMEs will benefit from ongoing group coaching delivered by seasoned business coaches, “These coaches will offer tailored, practical guidance as you implement your strategies and grow your enterprise. We want to ensure that every participant is supported throughout their transformation journey.”
Mr. Sidi-Aliyu encouraged all participants to actively engage in the programme, collaborate with peers, and take full advantage of the resources available.
