In collaboration with Afreximbank, the Lagos State government has commenced a six-week training program for 253 SMEs to promote exports in the state.
Out of the 253 participants, 20 exceptional SMEs will be selected after the training to participate in the Intra Africa Trade Fair, IATF, in September 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
The Lagos commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the Export Readiness Training Programme organised by the ministry in partnership with Afreximbank and ImpactHer at Alausa, Ikeja.
Ambrose described the opportunity as a gateway for SMEs for over 1.3 billion consumers, adding that the platform will help engage buyers, investors, partners, and policy influencers across Africa.
The commissioner noted that selected trainees would become Lagos’ Export Ambassadors.
Ambrose said, “It is a bold step towards transforming Lagos-based businesses into globally competitive exporters, building wealth, creating jobs, and amplifying the economic prosperity of our great State and Nigeria.
“Export readiness is not just a trending term but an economic imperative. In an era marked by regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) operationalisation, we cannot afford to keep our vibrant enterprises confined to domestic markets. Our MSMEs must evolve from local champions to continental contenders.
“Nigeria, and Lagos State in particular, has long been regarded as the economic engine of West Africa. But being an engine is not enough if we are not propelling forward. This programme is the vehicle that will drive us into new markets, beyond borders, and into the centre of intra-African commerce.”
The Commissioner explained that with her diversified economy and the largest informal market in sub-Saharan Africa, “Lagos is well-positioned to lead Nigeria’s charge into the global export economy.”
The Director of SME Development, Afreximbank, Mr Ody Akhanoba, who spoke virtually from Egypt, said the training offers a critical value chain to drive export promotion.
Akhanoba disclosed that Afreximbank earmarked $18.7bn for SMEs, including women and youth, to be trained in capacity in 27 countries in 2024.
