Despite digitalisation being the backbone of 21st-century business success, only about 30% of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have adopted digital tools, experts have revealed.
Stakeholders at various levels have called for urgent adoption of affordable digital solutions such as e-commerce platforms, social media, accounting software, and mobile apps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand market reach.
SME expert Daniel Dickson-Okezie said many small businesses lack the basic infrastructure and digital literacy to go fully digital, citing barriers like epileptic power supply, limited education, poor internet access, and lack of capital.
"Digital technology can help SMEs innovate and adapt in response to market changes," he said, noting that tools like cloud computing, accounting apps, and digital marketing platforms remain underutilised.
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Stakeholders like the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) have continued to train entrepreneurs on leveraging technology.
Gertrude Akhimien of NASSI emphasised the cost-saving advantages of going digital, calling on government to invest more in training and mechanisation. Joy Orji, a tech consultant, said many SMEs are unaware of the digital skills required to run a modern business and advocated for free government-sponsored training and improved infrastructure.
Web designer Chime Otey encouraged SMEs to embrace tools like websites, social media, email marketing, and automation. He stressed that when properly harnessed, tech tools such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing could transform small businesses into scalable ventures.
With renewed focus on economic diversification, experts say digital adoption by SMEs is crucial to unlocking Nigeria's full economic potential.
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