Lagos partners Afreximbank to train 254 SMEs on export promotion

By Adeola Ogunrinde –

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Afreximbank and ImpactHER, has commenced a six-week training programme for 254 SMEs to boost export promotion in the state. After the training, 20 outstanding SMEs will be selected to participate in the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) scheduled for September 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, said the programme aims to expand the capacity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and position them as economic drivers. She described the opportunity as a gateway for Lagos SMEs to access over 1.3 billion consumers across Africa.

Ambrose noted that the initiative is a bold step toward transforming Lagos-based businesses into globally competitive exporters, building wealth, creating jobs, and enhancing economic prosperity. “Our MSMEs must evolve from local champions to continental contenders,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of participating in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Commissioner thanked Afreximbank and ImpactHER for supporting the initiative, which aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, particularly in driving inclusive economic growth and transforming Lagos into a 21st-century economy.

She explained that many MSMEs struggle with barriers such as poor packaging, lack of export certification, limited financial literacy, and regulatory challenges. The training aims to address these through modules covering export documentation, packaging standards, trade finance, customs procedures, market entry under AfCFTA, e-commerce, and gender-responsive exporting.

“With Lagos having the largest informal market in sub-Saharan Africa, the state is well-positioned to lead Nigeria’s push into the global export economy,” Ambrose said, urging participants to see the programme as a launchpad to scale their businesses beyond Nigeria.

Director of SME Development at Afreximbank, Mr. Ody Akhanoba, speaking virtually from Cairo, said the training provides critical support to drive export promotion across Africa. He revealed that Afreximbank allocated $18.7 billion for SME capacity building across 27 countries in 2024, including support for women and youth-led enterprises.

Akhanoba added that the bank has budgeted for over 3,000 SMEs across 38 African countries and seven in the Caribbean for 2025. He said participants who excel will be supported through the trade fair and beyond, with selected SMEs becoming official Lagos Export Ambassadors.