Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — the backbone of the country’s economy — face persistent challenges such as limited access to finance, inadequate digital tools, and weak support structures. To address these issues, MTN Nigeria and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have entered a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the SME ecosystem nationwide.
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The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed this week, with senior representatives from both organisations in attendance, including Ayham Moussa, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Ugonwa Nwoye, Charles Odii, Julcit Onigbogi, Njideka Jack, and Omowunmi Olatunbosun. Their presence signals a unified commitment to accelerating growth and sustainability for Nigeria’s small businesses.
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mySMEville: A Digital Hub for Entrepreneurs
At the heart of the partnership is mySMEville, a digital one-stop platform designed to equip SMEs with tools and resources for growth. The platform offers:
- Funding access: Entrepreneurs can discover verified funding sources, grants, and loans.
- Digital presence: SMEs can create business profiles and reach customers across Nigeria.
- Capacity building: Training and resources to improve operations, financial management, and digital literacy.
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Implications for SMEs
The initiative aims to address key barriers for SMEs, particularly youth- and women-led businesses, rural operators, and informal enterprises. By combining MTN’s digital infrastructure with SMEDAN’s regulatory and support mandate, the partnership seeks to:
- Enhance market reach for small businesses.
- Provide greater access to finance and business support.
- Improve operations through digital tools and training.
- Empower underrepresented entrepreneurs.
