By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Enterprises Agency (AEA) says it is collaborating with local and international organisations to support Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for a conducive business environment.

said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the agency was partnering with Japan International Agency (JICA) and Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to support Nigerian MSMEs to be more productive in their business.

“We have collaboration, not only with JICA, but also with other international and national organisations who actually provide us with needed manpower training.

“We collaborated with KOICA to establish a Startup Digital Innovation Academy (SDIA) in the agency`s complex,’’ he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the initiative was part of KOICA’s broader Abuja Centre for Entrepreneur (ACE) project, which is aimed at supporting the growth of MSMEs in Abuja and beyond.

He said that SDIA served as a digital hub for SMEs, providing them with training, resources, and opportunities to improve their digital capabilities.

According to him, the agency is also partnering with the National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) to enhance investment for job creation.

“The collaboration aims to empower youth, attract investment, and create jobs, potentially through initiatives like the Abuja Start-up Hub.

“The agency is working with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to revolutionise the shea butter industry in Nigeria.

“The objective of the partnership is to enhance production, processing and commercialisation of shea butter, thereby promoting sustainable development and empowering local communities.

“Beyond all these engagements, the agency is also partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“The programme has gone a long way in supporting the agency for easy access in technology to help leverage and enhance businesses for our SMEs,” he said.

The AEA boss said that collaboration was crucial in the process of developing MSMEs.

“As a matter of fact, most of our activities are purely based on partnerships because the SMEs sector is so huge that we really cannot do the job alone.

“We require support, partnership and collaboration, not just from the public sector alone, but from the private sector as well,’’ he said.

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe said that the AEA was planning to host Abuja Farmers Food Fair (AFFF), adding that the agency was working with Global Learning Hub to ensure the success of the programme.

He said that the global learning hub was a platform that would facilitate access to training and knowledge-sharing, thereby, attracting people across the city.

“It aims to showcase agricultural innovations, connecting farmers with access markets and promoting economic growth in Abuja.

“The AFFF is a significant event for the agricultural sector in Abuja, offering opportunities for networking, market access, and economic growth.

“It is also a chance to explore groundbreaking innovations, connecting and interacting with industry leaders.

“The fair is expected to play a role in transforming Abuja into a leading agro-commerce and innovation hub in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the AEA was the FCT’s vehicle for wealth creation, employment generation and poverty eradication. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrhahman