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Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria are set to benefit from new growth opportunities as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Trade and Finance Academy (ITFA) collaborate to offer targeted training and financial support aimed at promoting sustainable export practices.
The partnership, under the UNDP-Implemented Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), seeks to build the capacity of MSMEs to participate more effectively in international trade while advancing environmental sustainability.
Speaking during the launch and training workshop of the Nature-Positive MSMEs in Nigeria (SPEMN) Sustainability Coaching Program held in Lagos, Ibironke Olubamise, national coordinator of the GEF-SGP, said the initiative aligns with the programme’s mission to support environmental and livelihood projects in local communities.
“Since its inception, the programme has facilitated over 200 projects across more than 200 communities in 30 states,” she said, adding that the focus is now on empowering civil society organisations to adopt social enterprise models that ensure their sustainability beyond grant funding.
“This approach aims not only to ensure their sustainability but also to increase their positive impact on both the environment and the local livelihoods,” she noted. According to Olubamise, several participating organisations have developed nature-based products that are safe for consumers and serve as alternatives to chemical-laden goods. She cited examples such as moringa production and energy-efficient solutions that reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
To support these initiatives, the UNDP is providing grants of up to $50,000 to organisations working on environmental sustainability and improving community livelihoods. She explained that the current pilot phase targets grantees and other entrepreneurs engaged in nature-based enterprises, with about 60 organisations expected to participate in the sustainability coaching program designed to elevate their business strategies.
“Through collaboration and ongoing support, the UNDP seeks to foster a network of sustainable enterprises that can thrive independently, continuing to make a significant positive impact on the communities they serve,” Olubamise added.
Prince Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade ambassador to the International Trade Facilitators Association, stressed the importance of partnering with UNDP to train Nigerian businesses, especially those in underserved areas. He highlighted the challenges faced by many community-based and grant-funded initiatives, noting that after their funding cycles end, many projects struggle to sustain themselves despite their impact on critical areas such as environmental health, food security, and rural labour migration.
Ezeiruaku emphasised the crucial role of MSMEs in the Nigerian economy, pointing out that “they account for over 70 per cent of the real economy.” He also expressed concern over the lack of long-term support structures for MSMEs, particularly those that do not survive beyond their original founders. He called for a more holistic approach to sustainability that goes beyond profitability to include environmental health and community wellbeing. He noted that participants will receive nine months of coaching after the training to support the practical implementation of lessons learned.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Feyisayo Borisade, CEO of Alpha B Igbemo & Ofada Rice Processing Co. Limited, expressed optimism about the programme’s potential to transform her business. “I aim to enhance my export capabilities and educate others, particularly university graduates, on entrepreneurship, encouraging them to seek self-employment rather than rely on government jobs,” she said.
The collaboration between UNDP and ITFA marks a strategic effort to strengthen Nigeria’s MSME sector by equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and funding necessary to thrive in a competitive and sustainability-driven global market.
