The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and non-profit organisation ImpactHER, has launched the Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme aimed at preparing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for global trade.
The initiative, coordinated through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, is part of efforts to position Lagos-based SMEs for success under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, described the programme as a major step toward integrating local businesses into the global marketplace.
She said the initiative underscores the state’s commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools needed to thrive internationally.
“This marks a defining chapter in our collective drive to deepen international trade participation. Export readiness is not a mere buzzword — it’s a strategic necessity. Our vibrant enterprises can no longer remain confined to domestic markets. They must evolve into continental contenders,” she said.
Ambrose noted that 253 SMEs have been selected to participate in the week-long training, which begins on July 4, 2025. The programme is designed to provide practical knowledge on export documentation, regulatory compliance, international packaging and labeling standards, trade finance, logistics, customs procedures, digital trade, and gender-responsive exporting for women-led businesses.
At the end of the training, 20 outstanding participants will be chosen to represent Lagos at the Intra-African Trade Fair, scheduled to take place in Algiers, Algeria, in September 2025. “This fair offers access to a market of over 1.3 billion consumers and the opportunity to connect with buyers, investors, and policymakers across Africa. These delegates will serve as Lagos’ Export Ambassadors,” Ambrose added.
Also speaking at the launch, Mr. Ody Akhanoba, Director of SME Development at Afreximbank, congratulated the selected SMEs, describing their inclusion as a reflection of their business potential and commitment to growth. He emphasized the bank’s dedication to enhancing the global competitiveness of African SMEs through strategic support in areas such as financing, market access, and capacity building.
“We are unlocking the capacity of SMEs to compete globally. Through initiatives like this, we are promoting meaningful participation of SMEs in the African trade ecosystem,” Akhanoba said. He added that the bank has already supported the training of over 3,000 African SMEs through similar accelerator programmes.
Clementina Uzogor, representing ImpactHER’s founder, explained that the programme would run for six weeks—comprising four weeks of intensive training and two weeks of mentorship. She noted that it would equip participants with the skills to scale their export ventures and connect with trade professionals and fellow MSMEs across Nigeria.
The Lagos SMEs Export Readiness Programme is expected to serve as a launchpad for a new generation of globally competitive businesses from Nigeria’s economic capital.
