The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and ImpactHER—a non-profit organisation that seeks to empower African female entrepreneurs—has begun a six-week accelerator capacity-building programme for about 253 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the export market.
According to the state government, 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 event held in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial city and economic hub, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, described the programme as a defining chapter in the collective commitment to expand the frontiers of international trade participation for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
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 Micro-Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) must evolve from local champions to continental contenders.
Nigeria and Lagos State, in particular, have long been regarded as the economic engine of West Africa. But being an engine is not enough if we are not propelling forward. This programme is the vehicle that will drive us into new markets, beyond borders, and into the centre of intra-African commerce,” she said.
The T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda
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.
Governor Sanwo-Olu devised Project T.H.E.M.E.S, an acronym for his administration’s six strategic development agenda namely, Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy; Entertainment and Tourism as well as Security and Governance.
The T.H.E.M.E.S+ represents the incorporation of an intensified focus on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality, and the Youths.
Challenges
The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, highlighted the nu.erous challenges faced by MSMEs.
“Many of our MSMEs face challenges that hinder their access to global markets—challenges such as poor packaging, regulatory barriers, lack of export certification, limited financial literacy, and weak market linkages. This week-long training has been meticulously designed to demystify the export process, build practical skills, and create a clear pathway to cross-border trade participation,” she said.
The participants are expected to gain in high-value sessions covering Export Documentation and Regulatory Compliance; Product Packaging and Labelling Standards for International Markets; Trade Finance and Export Credit Guarantees; Understanding Logistics, Customs, and Border Procedures; Market Entry Strategies, especially under the AfCFTA; Digital Trade and E-commerce Opportunities and Gender-responsive Exporting for Women-led MSMEs.
The Commissioner affirmed that with Lagos State’s 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.
Export Promotion
In his remarks, the Afreximbank’s Director of SMEs Development, Mr Ody Akhanoba, who spoke virtually from Cairo, Egypt, said the training offers a critical value-chain to drive export promotion across the African continent.
Akhanoba disclosed that in 2024 Afreximbank earmarked $18.7bn for capacity training for owners of SMEs in 27 countries, which included women and youths, stressing that for the year 2025, the bank has budgeted for over 3,000 SMEs for 38 countries in Africa and 7 in the Caribbean.
He stressed that the training, which is in partnership with Lagos State Government, is a stepping stone for participating SMEs, saying those who are able to distinguished themselves will be carried along through to September and beyond.
Networking Advantage
Representative of Founder/President, ImpactHER—an impact-driven non-profit organisation that seeks to empower African female entrepreneurs by bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship and business financing—Ms Clementina Uzogor, noted that the first 4 weeks of the programme would focus on training, while the remaining 2 weeks would be for mentorship.
“Participants will not only receive certification at the end of the training, they will also benefit from networking opportunities and enhance their capacity to scale their businesses,” she assured.
The selected trainees, according to the government. will become Lagos’ Export Ambassadors.