By Lukman Olabiyi

The programme, which commenced at the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, is part of efforts to strengthen Lagos’s position in intra-African trade and economic diversification.

At the end of the training, 20 outstanding participants will be selected to represent Lagos at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) scheduled for Algiers, Algeria, in September 2025.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, described the initiative as a strategic move to empower SMEs and integrate them into the African and global export ecosystem.

“This programme is a bold step towards transforming Lagos-based businesses into globally competitive exporters. It’s about building wealth, creating jobs, and driving the economic prosperity of both Lagos and Nigeria,” she said.

Ambrose highlighted the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging MSMEs to evolve from local players into continental market contenders.

She emphasised that Lagos, as the economic hub of West Africa, must look beyond domestic markets to harness broader opportunities across Africa.

“This training is not just timely; it is necessary. Our MSMEs often face hurdles like inadequate packaging, regulatory constraints, lack of export certification, and limited market access. This programme is designed to address those gaps and unlock their export potential,” she added.

Participants will undergo specialised sessions covering export documentation, international packaging standards, trade finance, logistics, customs procedures, digital trade, and strategies for accessing markets under AfCFTA. Gender-focused modules will also support women-led businesses in overcoming unique export challenges.

Ambrose lauded Afreximbank and ImpactHER for supporting the initiative, noting that the partnership aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly in advancing Lagos as a 21st-century economy and fostering inclusive growth.

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

He emphasised the importance of the training in strengthening the export value chain across Africa and announced that the bank earmarked $18.7 billion in 2024 to support SME capacity-building initiatives in 27 countries, including youth and women-led enterprises.

“For 2025, Afreximbank has expanded this commitment to reach over 3,000 SMEs across 38 African countries and seven Caribbean nations. This partnership with Lagos State is a critical step towards realising that vision,” Akhanoba said.

The Lagos State Government stated that the 20 SMEs selected at the end of the training will serve as the state’s Export Ambassadors, representing its drive to enter and excel in international markets.