SMEDAN commences training for MSME clusters

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has commenced a comprehensive capacity-building programme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) clusters in Kano State.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, the Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, said the training is under the Agency’s Enterprise Cluster Development (ECD) initiative, noting that the programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness, productivity, and long-term sustainability of local businesses.

Represented by the Kano State Manager of SMEDAN, Bashir Jamfalam, Odii pointed out that the targeted training is designed to equip cluster enterprises and their development associations with critical technical support, modern production technologies, and advanced business management skills.

ALSO READ: UK apologises to victims of forced adoption, to pay £4m package 

“Through these interventions, SMEDAN aims to help local businesses improve product quality, increase operational efficiency, and successfully access both domestic and international markets”.

According to a statement by Moshood Lawal, the DG emphasized that enterprise clusters are vital for accelerating MSME growth by driving collaboration and lowering production costs.

He noted that these joint initiatives are crucial for positioning Nigerian products to compete globally, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The statement explained that key highlight of the Kano initiative is SMEDAN’s focus on sustainable industrial development. “As part of the programme, viable cluster enterprises will be identified for ‘solarization’ and other clean energy interventions.

“This transition to renewable energy is intended to significantly reduce overhead costs while fostering environmentally friendly business practices.

“Aligning with global best practices championed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), SMEDAN’s ECD programme seeks to foster inclusive economic growth, alleviate poverty, and create meaningful employment opportunities for women and youth.

“The same programme is being replicated in Delta State and the Agency is optimistic that the Intervention will yield measurable economic outcomes, including increased profitability for participants, enhanced brand recognition for the clusters, and a stronger contribution from MSMEs to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through industrialisation and diversification,” the statement noted.