FG Identifies Funding, Skills Gaps as Barriers to SME Growth
By Oluwakemi Kindness The Federal Government says limited access to finance, business skills and investor support is preventing many Nigerian small businesses from expanding, warning that addressing these challenges will be critical to achieving the country’s one-trillion-dollar economy target. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this at the […]
SMEDAN Warns of Startup Investment Gap in Nigeria
By Oluwakemi Kindness The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has raised concerns over the shortage of investment-ready startups in the country, despite the availability of significant funding opportunities for entrepreneurs. Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, made the observation at the opening of the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE) Project’s Training of […]
FG Approves Major NYSC Reform to Boost Skills, Productivity
By Chinedu Echianu The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing far-reaching changes aimed at transforming the scheme into a civilian-led, skills-oriented and productivity-driven institution aligned with Nigeria’s economic development goals. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, announced the approval on Tuesday to State House Correspondents […]
SMEDAN DG urges governors to boost MSMEs
By Oluwakemi Kindness Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, has urged state governors to establish more MSME development and skill acquisition centres and provide matching funds to accelerate the growth of small businesses across the country. Speaking at the 2026 World MSME Day celebration in Abuja at […]
NSIA Unveils $275,000 Innovation Fund for Nigerian Startups
By Oluwakemi Kindness The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has launched the fourth edition of its Prize for Innovation (NPI 4.0), unveiling a $275,000 prize pool and access to up to $1.5 million in growth funding to support high-potential Nigerian startups. The initiative, themed “Building for Impact,” is designed to help innovative businesses scale through […]
SEDC Selects 25 Startups for Venture Capital Support
By Oluuwakemi Kindness The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has selected 25 startups for funding, mentorship, and investor access under its inaugural South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP), aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across the South East. The announcement followed the conclusion of the programme’s pitch competition, which attracted startups operating in […]
South East Commission Announces SEVCP Grand Finale
By Oluwakemi Kindness The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has announced the Grand Finale of its inaugural South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP) Pitch Competition, scheduled to hold in Enugu. The SEDC said the programme is a flagship initiative aligned with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, as outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda (page […]
SEDC Shortlists 210 Innovative Startups for Venture Capital Boost
By Oluwakemi Kindness The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has shortlisted 210 startups from over 1,200 applications received across the South East region for the next phase of its Venture Capital Programme. The selected startups comprise 128 in the Incubator Track and 82 in the Accelerator Track, marking a major milestone in the Commission’s effort […]