The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has announced the creation of over 90,000 new jobs in Nigeria's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector within the first three months of 2025, under its ambitious new strategy tagged "GROW Nigerian."
This was revealed by SMEDAN Director-General, Mr. Charles Odii, during a briefing with members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) in Abuja.
According to Mr. Odii, GROW stands for Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support—a holistic framework designed to empower small businesses to thrive and scale across critical sectors of the economy.
Key Support for MSMEs Through GROW:
- Expert Mentorship & Business Guidance: SMEs will receive strategic advice and mentorship to navigate regulatory, operational, and financial challenges.
- Access to Funding & Tools: Businesses will gain easier access to financing, technology, and essential infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
- Market Access & Visibility: SMEDAN will create platforms to help MSMEs showcase their products, connect with buyers, and explore new markets.
- Skills Development & Training: Entrepreneurs and their staff will benefit from targeted training programs to boost productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.
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Target Sectors for Job Creation and Growth:
Mr. Odii disclosed that SMEDAN's efforts under the GROW Nigerian strategy will focus on eight high-impact sectors:
- Agriculture and agribusiness value chain
- Fashion and textile
- Tourism and hospitality
- Manufacturing and production
- Education
- Nigeria's digital economy
- Innovation and startup development
- New technology adoption
Why It Matters
This initiative could be a game-changer for MSMEs, which make up over 96% of Nigerian businesses and contribute significantly to employment and GDP. By addressing common pain points—such as lack of access to capital, poor infrastructure, and limited business support—SMEDAN is positioning small businesses as drivers of economic growth and job creation.
"If SMEDAN, in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders, empowers entrepreneurs with the right combination of what they need—knowledge, capital, team support, access to market, and ecosystem support—their growth will be accelerated," Mr. Odii stated.
As GROW Nigerian gains momentum, small businesses across Nigeria may soon have more robust support to scale sustainably, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
