Lagos State government in collaboration with Afreximbank and ImpactHER has begun a six-week training for about 253 SMEs towards driving export promotion in the state.
Out of the 253 participants, 20 exceptional SMEs are to be selected after the training to participate in the Intra Africa Trade Fair, IATF in Algiers, Algeria, slated for September, 2025.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Export Readiness Training Programme, the Lagos Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose said the whole essence is to widen the scope of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs in the state and acknowledge the sector as a powerful tool for economic democratisation.
Ambrose described the opportunity as a gateway for SMEs for over 1.3 billion consumers, adding it is a chance to engage buyers, investors, partners, and policy influencers from across Africa.
“It is a bold step towards transforming Lagos-based businesses into globally competitive exporters, building wealth, creating jobs, and amplifying the economic prosperity of our great State and Nigeria at large.
“The concept of export readiness is not just a trending term; it is an economic imperative. In an era marked by regional integration and the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we cannot afford to keep our vibrant enterprises confined to domestic markets. Our MSMEs must evolve from local champions to continental contenders.”
She noted that Nigeria, and Lagos State in particular, has long been regarded as the economic engine of West Africa adding that the programme serves as the ‘vehicle that will drive us into new markets, beyond borders, and into the centre of intra-African commerce.’
While appreciating AfreximBank and ImpactHER for the partnership, the Commissioner noted that the partnership aligned with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, particularly as it pertains to Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy and Driving Inclusive Economic Growth.
Ambrose acknowledged challenges facing MSMEs such as poor packaging, regulatory barriers, lack of export certification, limited financial literacy, and weak market linkages. She said the training was designed to demystify the export process, build practical skills, and create a clear pathway to cross-border trade participation.
The Commissioner explained that with her diversified economy, and the largest informal market in sub-Saharan Africa, “Lagos is well-positioned to lead Nigeria’s charge into the global export economy.”
She advised the trainees to see the session as more than just a learning opportunity but a launchpad to position their businesses for the global stage.
In his remarks, the Director, SME Development Afreximbank, Mr Ody Akhanoba who spoke virtually from Cairo, Egypt, said the training offers a critical value-chain to drive export promotion across the continent of Africa.
Akhanoba disclosed that Afreximbank earmarked $18.7bn for SMEs on capacity training in 2024 for 27 countries which included women and youths, stressing that for the year 2025, the bank has budgeted for over 3,000 SMEs for countries, 38 in Africa and seven in the Caribbean.
He described the training as a stepping stone for participating SMEs, saying those who are able to distinguish themselves will be carried along through to September and beyond.
The selected trainees will become Lagos’ Export Ambassadors.
