SMEDAN unveils initiatives for small firms’ operations
By Anthony Areh
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has unveiled three technological initiatives aimed at improving operations of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the country.
The three initiatives are the MSME Market Hub App, MSME Digital Academy and an Online Equipment Exhibition Portal.
Mrs Mariam Katagum, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, at the virtual official launch, said the focus of SMEs on the use of technology would inspire growth, client values and market differentiation.
Katagum said the three initiatives were carefully designed and developed to ensure that MSMEs desirous of improving their businesses could utilise them for improved sales and knowledge enhancement.
The Minister said that the Federal Government was repositioning the sub-sector for international competitiveness and to make it a great source of earning.
She said that the productivity of the SMEs could be further enhanced through technological innovation and engagement in research and development-related activities.
Katagum said that SMEDAN, in order to support SMEs in Nigeria to adopt the use of technology to boost their operations, has partnered with credible private sector institutions and international associations.
“In this era of digitalization and technology dominance, I am happy to be part of these great initiatives aimed at supporting the SMEs in Nigeria to achieve excellence in their operations.
“In this growing multifaceted world, SMEs are concentrating more on using technology to inspire growth, client values and market differentiation,” she said.
The Minister said that plans were underway to use Nigerian local languages in the delivery of training programmes in the MSMEs digital academy.
In his remarks, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, Director-General, SMEDAN, said the agency was poised to continue to position itself as a one stop shop for the development of MSMEs in Nigeria.
Radda said this was in line with the agency’s mandate toward establishing well structured and efficient Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to enhance sustainable economic development.
To this end, the DG said the agency could not but continue to explore further avenues to crystalize the mission and to ensure that the vision of SMEDAN comes to fruition.
“The agency therefore has taken advantage of the maximum opportunities presented though the emerging technologies to bring our efficiency closer to SMEs in Nigeria,” he said.
Radda said that the agency had partnered with indigenous and strategic organisations within the digital space to further develop the SMEs in Nigeria and indeed across Africa.
“Presently, I am pleased to introduce the following three projects SMEDAN and its partners produced.
”The first is the Market Hub App, in partnership with Concrete Communications Limited.
“The second is MSME digital academy, developed in partnership with Sapphital IT and the third is the On line equipment exhibition portal for SMEs, in partnership with the China’s Africa Guangdong Business Association,” he said.
Radda said that the Market Hub App would serve as an online one stop shop convergence of all small and medium scale businesses, including service providers in Nigeria.
He said the end position was to be the number one business directory app in Nigeria where you can visit and check out uploaded businesses and services with their content details.
“You can upload your own business and services for prospective views and contacting you.
“Our resource persons are also on line to address your enquiries on the ease of doing businesses in Nigeria and other related enquiries you might be seeking relatedly for.
“I urge all business owners in Nigeria to download this App and upload their service offering and products, and take advantage of this technology to promote their business and enhance their growth,” he said.