Edo State Government has disclosed plans to launch the first ever digital business platform in Nigeria to boost and enhance the growth and development of businesses especially the Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs).
The digital platform named, Edo Business Connect is a transformative initiative aimed at streamlining business operations and empowering entrepreneurs with a view to revolutionising the business landscape in the State.
Amen Odigie, Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) stated this at a stakeholders engagement meeting with Government ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), development agencies, and the private sectors in Benin City.
Odigie said the engagement was geared towards brainstorming on readiness to launch the first ever digital platform for businesses in Nigeria in the coming weeks.
While emphasising the platform’s critical role in driving economic growth, he noted that “Edo Business Connect” is a testament to the State Government’s dedication to digital transformation for inclusive development.
“This innovative digital platform is set to simplify the process of doing business, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance visibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Edo State.
“Through this initiative, businesses will be able to register, access government support, and benefit from efficient service delivery. It is geared towards creating a seamless digital ecosystem for business operations in the State.
“Edo Business Connect promises to be a game-changer, paving the way for growth, visibility, and opportunity in the heartbeat of Nigeria”, he said.
The ESIPO boss, added that the Edo Business Connect was designed to position the state as a model for business-friendly governance in Nigeria.
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He said, the innovation is being championed with the collaborative effort between the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Edo State Digital Governance and Data Management Agency (EDODiDA).
Odigie said that the support of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies is crucial to ensuring the success of the initiative, as they all work together to make Edo State a hub for business innovation.
On her part, Ewe Rita Samuropa, Functioning Managing Director of EDODiDA, described the digital platform as a groundbreaking tool designed to serve all segments of society both literate, semi-literate, and illiterate within and outside the State.
“Edo Business Connect will offer a digital directory of businesses, access to loans and grants, and real-time updates on government initiatives.
“It also includes a complaint and feedback system to ensure swift resolution of issues by relevant authorities.
“The platform which will be hosted on the Edo State Government server, is slated for an official launch between now and August.
“Both formal and informal businesses will be required to register and take advantage of its robust offerings, which aims to enhance accessibility and efficiency,” she added.
