Key Activities
- Conducted 16 Public-Private Dialogue sessions with SMEDAN and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen coordination and monitoring of Nigeria’s revised MSME Policy (2021–2025).
- Used stakeholder input to develop a long-term coordination mechanism and enhanced M&E system for MSME policy implementation.
- Delivered capacity-building training for SMEDAN staff to improve oversight of policy implementation.
- Conducted a technical study to identify barriers to finance for women-owned businesses, leading to the development of a Gender Finance Checklist, validated case studies, position papers, and a Next Step Guide.
- Convened a national dialogue to validate findings from the finance study and secured stakeholder commitments to adopt inclusive finance practices.
- Partnered with WCCIMA to accelerate digital trade for women through a landscape analysis, strategic roadmap, and tailored capacity-building, including Training of Trainers programmes.
- Trained 41 facilitators and developed programme guides based on target personas to support women entrepreneurs.
Outcomes
- SMEDAN inaugurated the National Council on SME—the highest decision-making body for MSME policy—organised a National MSME Conference and established a Women’s and Youth’s Desk to support engagement, market access, and training in export, procurement, and business skills.
- The national dialogue led to the launch of the Gender-Inclusive Access to Finance Checklist, with stakeholders committing to adopt it and implement key recommendations. Mechanisms for tracking progress and accountability were established—marking a significant step toward a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
- WCCIMA strengthened its capacity to influence the business environment and advocate for digital inclusion, supported by a trained pool of facilitators and targeted programme design.
Theme
MSME Policy | Access to Finance | Digital Trade | Women’s Economic Empowerment
Partners
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (WCCIMA)