Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth
Empowerment
By Felicia Imohimi
The International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating under the Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).
They have committed to empowering 470 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This initiative was announced during the inauguration of the “Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs in Nigeria (SPEMN) Sustainability Coaching Programme” in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is funded by GEF-SGP with additional co-financing from cash and in-kind contributions from other sources and implemented by ITFA.
Mr Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador at ITFA, explained that the programme aimed to enhance MSMEs’ business skills, market access, and readiness for global certification.
He noted that the project’s primary objective was to enable nature-positive MSMEs to become successful, self-sustaining businesses through capacity building, improved market access, and training on international certification standards.
Ezeiruaku said the selected beneficiaries were drawn from Lagos (South West), Nasarawa (North Central), Cross River (South South), Kano (North West), Abia (South East), Bauchi (North East), and the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that 30 per cent of the programme’s beneficiaries would be women, youth, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities.
He said that the expected outcomes included improved business sustainability, increased profitability, and enhanced market presence for participating MSMEs.
Also speaking, Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of GEF-SGP, reiterated the programme’s commitment to supporting environmental and livelihood initiatives.
Represented by Rose Agbo, Programme Assistant, she emphasised the need for stakeholders to back strategic projects that supported sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels.
Agbo noted that the initiative encouraged MSMEs to adopt nature-positive approaches to business, balancing environmental stewardship with commercial success.(NAN)(www.nannews.ngr
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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