The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a specialised training in Lagos aimed at equipping nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (nMSMEs) with the skills to improve product packaging and branding—critical tools for unlocking regional market access under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The initiative, according to SMEDAN's Head of Corporate Affairs, Moshood Lawal, is part of the agency's broader efforts to position Nigerian products for competitiveness across the continent's single market of over 1.3 billion people.
Speaking at the training, Mr Tunde Oloyede—who represented SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii—emphasised the importance of brand identity and packaging in making local products export-ready.
"We are not just training for local excellence — we are preparing Nigerian nMSMEs to become continental brands. With the right packaging and branding strategies, our products can compete favorably across African markets and beyond," he said.
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The Lagos training includes hands-on modules covering modern packaging techniques, brand development, regulatory compliance, market positioning, and sustainable packaging solutions. Entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and startups from sectors including agribusiness, cosmetics, textiles, and food processing are among the participants.
The training also features live product audits, expert-led case studies of successful African brands, and practical sessions on:
- Packaging designs that meet AfCFTA export standards
- Building culturally resonant and globally appealing brand identities
- Leveraging e-commerce platforms with strong visual branding
- Cost-effective sustainable packaging options
The agency said the programme addresses common challenges that limit Nigerian product visibility in regional markets, such as poor presentation, weak branding, and failure to meet export standards.
SMEDAN also confirmed plans to replicate the programme in northern Nigeria in the coming weeks, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive enterprise development across all regions.
"This initiative supports Nigeria's AfCFTA implementation strategy and SMEDAN's mandate to build the capacity of MSMEs to compete locally and globally," the agency said.
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