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Business

Kano fair: Dangote Pavilion turns focal point for customers

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The pavilion of the Dangote Group at the ongoing 2024 Kano International Trade Fair has become Mecca of a sort, attracting customers excited to make inquiries and purchases as the year winds down.

 

Organised by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA), the fair, themed “Non-Oil Export for Economic Prosperity,” aligns closely with Dangote Group’s vision of economic diversification.

 

A statement from the Branding and Corporate Communications Department of the Dangote Group said the Trade Fair, running from Nov. 23 to Dec. 7, has seen the Dangote pavilion actively engage visitors with designated help desks.

 

It said: “Nigeria is a powerhouse for non-oil export, but only if it taps into its numerous resources and potentials. At Dangote we have demonstrated this with our huge investments in fertiliser, sugar, salt and cement products spread across several African countries.”

 

A visit to the stand revealed significant engagement, particularly from distributors and retailers.

 

Many are taking advantage of the Trade Fair to stock their warehouses in preparation for the upcoming end-of-year festive season, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the heightened demand.

 

The company, therefore, urged participants to leverage on the opportunity to visit the company’s pavilion and take advantage of the various products on display.

 

They include Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar and Dangote Salt and Dangote Fertiliser.

 

Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar extolled the role of Public Private Partnership in the development of the Nigerian economy.

 

While visiting the Dangote pavilion at the fair, he told participants that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration recognises the role of the private sector as key.

 

Badaru reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the government with prayers while maintaining confidence in the security forces.

 

He said the security agencies’ unwavering dedication is crucial to sustaining these achievements.

 

Meanwhile, President of the Chamber, Alhaji Garba Imam commended the Dangote Group for its support and partnership, adding that the company has been consistent in its sponsorship of the annual event.

 

Speaking to newsmen, the Director General of KACCIMA Alhaji Sabiu Umar Yola said: “The relationship between KACCIMA and Dangote has been very supportive and a great partnership.”

 

He said the theme for this year was meant to encourage Nigerians to source for other commodities for export instead of crude oil.(NAN)

PR:

General News

Lagos Security Trust Fund postpones 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting

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By Peter Amine

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), has postponed the proposed Town Hall Meeting with Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu earlier scheduled to hold on Thursday, Nov. 28.

A statement by Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, said that the meeting, which would focus on security, is now to hold on Dec. 18.

The statement was issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the meeting has “Data & Technology-Driven Security: The way forward”, as its theme.

 

 

Balogun said that the venue of the event – Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos – had also been changed to Lagos House at Ikeja, with the event scheduled to start  at 11 a.m.

“The postponement is due to exigencies beyond our immediate control,” Balogun explained.

He urged invitees and members of the general public to kindly accept the apologies and regretted the inconvenience it might cause.

“We count on your usual support and cooperation as we look forward to the new date,” Balogun said.(NAN)
Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Foreign

ECOWAS entrepreneurs seek railway corridor

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Participants at the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) workshop/exhibition in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.(NAN)

 

 

By Mark Longyen

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the aegis of ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC), have proposed the creation of a railway corridor connecting all ECOWAS countries, in addition to the existing road network.

 

They made the call at the end of their inaugural exhibition and workshop which held from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

 

The event was organised by ESBC, in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and Ivory Coast’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The coalition noted the difficulties that the small business operators face in transporting their goods and services between and among member states and emphasised the need for improved communication about cross-border trade obligations.

 

It, however, notes the clarification by ECOWAS that the movement of goods and people within the subregion is free in line with existing protocols but is not exempt from formalities and customs duties.

 

The coalition also proposed solutions to the challenges of transporting the SME’s goods to include the need to end cross-border harassment and corruption due to unnecessary “taxes.”

Members also proposed the empowering of local SBCs to enable them issue certificates of origin to entrepreneurs, as well as the establishing of online training sessions for their capacity building.

 

The coalition also proposed the creation of a railway corridor connecting all ECOWAS countries, in addition to the existing road network.

 

According to the coalition, access to information is key to SMEs’s success, hence, the need to raise awareness, adding that they should leverage the recently unveiled African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ECOWAS policies.

 

It also emphasised the need for the harmonisation of fiscal rule across ECOWAS, as well as the need for SMEs to choose appropriate business models and consulting advisory firms.

 

The report notes that much remains to be done to improve competitiveness through innovation and sustainability to push SMEs beyond borders, while proposing training them on certification, efficient technology transfer and increasing research.

The coalition further noted that financing was at the core of SMEs’ challenges because while financing mechanisms are in place, SMEs’ absorption capacities are difficult, as many are ill-equipped to leverage these mechanisms.

 

They, therefore, proposed to focus on promoting innovation and new business models that would fit African realities, such as reimagining economic development models and learning from BRICS approaches.

 

The group also proposed the establishing of an ESBC television; a bank for SME financing; the designing of strategies to encourage the creation of a common currency; and lifting of customs and monetary barriers.

 

The coalition also proposed the creation of international shipping lines, establishing clear legislation or regulations applicable to all ECOWAS states, as well as facilitating access to ports for landlocked countries.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Economy/Business

African leaders urge collective action to secure future

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L-R: The Minister of International Relations of Botswana, Dr Phenyo Butale, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Secretary-General, President Duma Boko of Botswana, Mr Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General of ECA and Prof. Kevin Urama, AfDB’s Vice-President and Chief Economist at the opening of the AEC 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana on Saturday.

 

By Lucy Ogalue

African leaders say as global uncertainty rises, there is an urgent need for bold, collective action to secure Africa’s economic future and foster resilience.

 

Botswana President Duma Boko, speaking on Saturday at the ongoing  2024 African Economic Conference (AEC) in Gaborone, Botswana, said Africa needs to take its rightful place globally.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is: “Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amid Rising Uncertainty.”

 

Boko called for economic transformation, urging greater value addition to Africa’s vast resource base and the development of regional value chains to boost employment and economic diversification.

 

“Africa has unparalleled potential to transform these obstacles into opportunities, thus, the critical importance of Africa’s youthful population as the continent’s greatest asset.

 

“With nearly 70 per cent of Africans under 30, there is the need for substantial investment in education, technology, and jobs to harness the potential of the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders,” he said.

 

The president reiterated the need to ensure peace and stability on the continent, which he said must be anchored on accountable and responsive governance.

 

According to him, this is a fundamental human right for every African citizen and setting the requisite bedrock for any measure of our economic development and sustainability.

 

He said that to attract foreign investment and build sustainable growth in Africa, we must demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law on the continent.

 

“The African Continental Free Trade Area holds significant prospects for transforming Africa’s economic landscape to foster investment, create jobs, and promote industrialisation.

 

“It is critical for us to capitalise on the AfCFTA and leverage its potential to enhance intra-Africa trade and position the continent as a global economic powerhouse.

 

“Beyond trade, regional cooperation must extend to shared physical infrastructure, resource management, and conflict resolution.

 

” Ending armed conflicts that hinder development by ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa’ will create a stronger and more integrated Africa.

 

“An Africa better equipped to navigate the global trade dynamics and challenges,” he said.

 

Mr Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), echoed these sentiments of addressing Africa’s significant economic challenges.

 

“The global financial system as it stands, is failing Africa. There is a need for urgent reforms that will prioritise financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate adaptation, and equitable growth.

 

“Africa has vast renewable energy potential, critical mineral reserves, and the transformative power of digital innovation.

 

“There is a need for leaders to act decisively to unlock the continent’s potential as Africa’s future lies in its ability to transform resources into value-added products,” he said,

 

Gatete further outlined the need for de-risking investment environments through improved governance, transparency, and innovative mechanisms to attract private sector investment.

 

Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the Assistant Secretary-General and Director, Regional Bureau for Africa, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), decried how Africa had continued to bear the burden of climate change despite its little contributions.

 

“The challenge of these global uncertainties is to rise up, invest, and ensure innovative financing. The gathering was a dynamic platform to develop solutions to Africa’s challenges.

 

“We must strengthen resilience to shocks by decreasing dependency on food and fuel, investing in tech infrastructure skills that will provide sustainable and affordable energy for all and prioritising diversification of our economy.

 

“We need to mobilise resources at scale and take steps to ensure Africa’s abundant resources finance its growth. Africa’s money must work for Africa.

 

“It is time for Africa to lead. This continent is unstoppable and will remain so when we have leaders who care. Let us start sowing the seed of human rights to eliminate poverty and not just reduce it,” she said.

 

Also speaking, Prof Kevin Urama, Vice President and Chief Economist of the African Development Bank (AfDB), restated the importance of homegrown solutions embedded in local realities to drive growth on the continent.

 

“The AEC provides a leading platform for stakeholders to think together. It provides a golden opportunity to review Africa’s developing experience and find solutions relevant for Africa by Africa to move Africa forward.

 

” We must try to stem the leakages from African economies as the continent loses. We must find new African ways to help address African challenges,” he said.

 

Speaking Earlier, Dr Phenyo Butale, the Minister of International Relations, Botswana, welcomed participants and said the gathering would shape the future of Africa, thus emphasising the importance of collective action.

 

He expressed the commitment of the country to mitigate volatility to economic shocks, ensure inclusive growth, and leverage technology and innovation, among others on the continent.

 

The conference which opened on Saturday will end on Nov. 25. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Defence/Security

ROSOWA inaugurates nationwide campaign for zero road traffic crashes

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) is set to inaugurate a nationwide campaign aimed at achieving zero Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the Ember Months.

 

Dr Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, the National President of ROSOWA, stated this at a visit to the National Trauma Centre and Emergency Unit at the National Hospital, on Saturday in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is part of the activities marking this year’s World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Crash Victims, themed “That Day; Remember, Support, and Act.”

 

Shehu-Mohammed, said the association would collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to entrench a road safety culture among drivers and passengers.

 

She emphasised the need for sympathy and support for victims and their families, while encouraging them to stay firm.

 

According to her, it is a day to commiserate and show support to those affected, especially considering the life-changing circumstances they experienced due to road crashes on our roads.

 

“We are here to advocate for zero tolerance to road crashes while traveling and commuting on our roads, ensuring we all travel and return safely to our loved ones,” she said.

 

The ROSOWA president cautioned the general public against using their phones to capture accident victims and road traffic crash scenes.

 

“My message to the entire populace, commuters, drivers, and passengers is that we should always learn to drive safely. Don’t drink and drive.

 

“Follow traffic rules to curb the menace, as many lives have been lost due to reckless behaviour on highways.

 

“Our priority should be providing immediate support and assistance to victims. Let’s put aside our phones and offer help and a swift response.

 

“Once we’ve ensured their well-being, we can focus on advocating for zero tolerance towards road traffic crashes,” she said.

 

The ROSOWA President called on relevant stakeholders in the transport sector to provide maximum support for effective traffic management in the country, emphasising the need for a collaborative effort to address the challenges of road safety and traffic congestion.

 

Dr Yusuf Suberu, representative of the United Nations Decade of Action on Injury Prevention, stated that ROSOWA’s visit would bring much-needed relief to road accident victims receiving treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja.

 

According to Suberu, the UN’s aim and objectives were being fulfilled through ROSOWA’s visit, as the theme “That Day” emphasises “Support, Remember and Act.”

 

He commended ROSOWA for not only remembering the victims but also providing them with support, which would resonate hope for those injured and waiting for recovery.

 

Suberu noted that seeing people show sympathy, encouragement, and support would give the victims a sense of hope for the future.

 

He assured that the UN would continue to advocate for zero tolerance to road traffic crashes in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

 

Also, Mr Muhammad Adamu, Assistant Director at the National Hospital, appreciated ROSOWA’s visit, stating that it was an honour and an inspiration.

 

He acknowledged ROSOWA’s efforts in supporting victims and providing preventive measures to avoid road traffic crashes.

 

NAN report that the National President of ROSOWA, presented cash gifts, wheelchairs, crutches, stretchers, sanitary pads, and other items to road accident victims at the National Hospital, Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Entertainment

Wizkid sets new record on Spotify

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By Joy Obanya

Ace Nigerian Artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has set a new Spotify record for the biggest streams by any song.

 

The superstar’s recently released album titled “Morayo” has claimed the number 1 spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Chart, with all his tracks dominating the charts to positions.

 

One of his singles from the album titled “Kese (Dance)” set the record for the highest opening day stream on Spotify Nigeria with 1.5 million streams.

 

Another single “Piece of My Heart” also surpass 1 million opening day streams on Spotify.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Wizkid’s album, Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is a heart felt tribute to his late mother, Juliana Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.

 

The album, which was launched on the Nov. 22, features tasteful selection of artistes across genres. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Judiciary

Judges who embarrass judiciary should be sacked- SAN

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By Taiye Agbaje

A Professor of Law, Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, on Friday, said any judge who embarrassed the judiciary should be sacked.

 

Akinseye-George stated this in an interview with newsmen during the closing ceremony of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.

 

He commended the National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on its recent outcome of investigations on some judges in the country.

 

“The reason the judiciary is being criticised is because the judges are also humans. You cannot have a perfect judiciary in an imperfect environment. But that is not an excuse for not attempting to be perfect.

 

“The judiciary is the last hope of a common man and members of the public expect, and rightly too, that the judiciary will be above board. And that is why they keep demanding for more.

 

“It is the judiciary that can stabilise the democracy of this country because the political branches; the executive and legislature, must continue to be political. They must be partisan, they must be bias, but the judiciary must stand aloof from the executive and the legislature.

 

“They must call a spade, a spade. They must save this country from the excesses of politicians. That is why we commend the approaches of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun.

 

“There was a panel that sat recently of the NJC that came up with specific decisions. Some judges were sacked, some cautioned and some were commended. That should happens regularly. The fact that judges are given up to 70 years of retirement does not mean that you should keep everybody there up to 70 years.

 

“Some should be told to go, if they embarrass the judiciary or embarrass the country. But of course, the whole process must be subjected to fairness, fair hearing,” he said.

 

The legal luminary said though in the past, there were such actions taken by the NJC, he said the instant decision was highly commended.

 

“What is different this time around is that they have called a spade, a spade. Those that were retired were asked to refund the money that was wrongly collected. How can a judge, who heads a judiciary and who has falsified his age, retired to go home without any punishment?

 

“NJC has done the right thing by saying, in addition to your retirement, you must refund the funds that you earned illegally through the wrong declaration of age.

 

“Those who were found not to be culpable like My Lord, Hon. Justice Lifu, were also rightly discharged and acquitted by the NJC,” he said.

 

Akinseye-George, who said constructive criticism of the judiciary is welcome, said the judiciary too must ensure that it applies the law in accordance with the laid down constitution.

 

“As long as they do that, they will be vindicated by posterity,” he said.

 

He commended Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, on his contribution to the development of the Nigerian jurisprudence through the annual conference.

 

He described the event as “an intellectually loaded conference that assembled an uncommon group of scholars and seasoned practitioners.”

 

Mrs Ozioma Izuora the lead presenter and a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Baze University, Abuja, said different experiences were shared at the meeting to improve on the country’s justice system.

 

Earlier, Mr Daudu, said the Criminal Law Review Conference commenced six years ago as one of the flagship events of the foundation.

 

He said it was essentially to provide an annual forum for the review of all developments, particularly novel developments in the field of crime apprehension, crime prosecution, crime adjudication and the post adjudicatory processes and institutions of the criminal justice system.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day event was titled: “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Economy/Business

Flagship Trust Fund appoints new BOT Chairman

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By Mufutau Ojo

The Board of Trustees of Flagship Trust Fund has appointed Mr Fred Ohwahwa as its new chairman.

The Fund’s Secretary, Aaron Ukodie, and Publicity Secretary, Emeka Okoroanyawu, said in a statement that Ohwahwa replaced its late founding chairman, Sen. Ayogu Eze.

The statement added that the decision to appoint Ohwahwa was taken at a meeting convened to pay tributes to Eze.

“Mr Ohwahwa’s exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the Fund’s mission made him the ideal candidate to succeed our revered former Chairman.

“Mr Ohwahwa’s expertise and vision will be invaluable in driving the Fund’s strategic development.

“We are confident that under his guidance, the Flagship Trust Fund will continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact,” the statement quoted Chief Babs Alasa, First Vice Chairman, BOT, as saying.

It said Ohwahwa would soon unveil his comprehensive plan for the Fund’s future growth and development.

The statement also said the meeting reflected on the foundation’s accomplishments and set key objectives to propel future growth.

It expressed gratitude to Eze for his enduring legacy and contributions to the Fund and prayed God to continue to rest his soul. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Ex-NBA chair urges Nigerian leaders to complement human capabilities, technology 

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By Taiye Agbaje

Mr John Peters, a former Chairman, Association of Master of Business Administration (MBA), says leaders in Nigeria should foster environment that complements human capabilities.

 

Peters, a renowned leadership speaker, gave the advice on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

 

Responding to question on how leaders can ensure smooth technology adoption, he said: “For Nigerian executives striving to drive digital transformation or smooth technology, adoption demands more than new tools.

 

“it requires embedding technology as a driver of organisational agility and resilience.”

 

Peters suggested leveraging proven frameworks such as Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model and the ADKAR model.

 

He emphasised the importance of cultural alignment in fostering employees’ buy-in.

 

“Leaders need to foster environments where technology complements human capabilities. Adobe’s transition to a cloud-based model succeeded because it ensured employees’ buy-in at every stage.

 

“Similarly, Nigerian organisations can benefit by tailoring training to address specific challenges, as seen in Microsoft’s Office 365 rollout,” he said.

 

According to him, this aligns with TEXEM’s methodology, which integrates interactive and context-relevant learning to empower leaders with actionable insights.

 

Peters said Nigerian leaders can drive technology enhanced efficiency by aligning technology investments with organisational goals.

 

He alluded to Interswitch, which successfully synchronised its digital payment systems with Nigeria’s cashless policy, thereby enhancing both customer experience and national financial inclusion.

 

“Leaders must ensure that technology adoption translates into measurable outcomes. For instance, Nigerian Breweries leverages analytics to optimise its supply chain, demonstrating how technology can boost productivity,” he said.

 

The ex-NBA’s chair highlighted automation as a game-changer, particularly when it augments human roles rather than replaces them.

 

“Nigerian banks, like GTBank, have implemented AI-driven chatbots to handle routine inquiries, improving response times and customer satisfaction,” he said.

 

Peters, however, said that automation’s true value lied in enabling employees to focus on higher-value tasks.

 

NAN reports that Peters is expected to speak at TEXEM’s upcoming programme titled: “Thriving in this Digital and Disruptive Era,” scheduled between Nov. 25 and Nov. 28 in Oxford.

 

He will be joined by two other distinguished faculty members; Prof. Rodria Laline, a global technology innovator and former SVP at Oracle, and Prof. Paul Griffith, the trailblazing academic who led the first management team to launch a rocket into space.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

ECOWAS tasks subregional  entrepreneurs on trade growth

304 total views today

 

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on West African entrepreneurs to strengthen subregional trade, saying it is collaborating with the private sector to boost subregional economic growth.

 

Dr Omar Touray, President of the Commission, made this known at the inaugural edition of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) Exhibition and Conference in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Thursday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day fair brought together West African Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products, and explore collaborative opportunities for growth.

 

Touray, represented by Dr Tony Elumelu, ECOWAS Director, Private Sector, described the event as a crucial step in preparing the subregion to actively participate in the recently unveiled African Continental Free Trade Authority (AfCFTA).

 

He reminded the entrepreneurs of the importance of regional integration in driving economic growth and development and called on them to leverage the opportunities provided by AfCFTA to achieve success.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity for our region to increase trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

 

“This fair is a crucial step in preparing our subregion to actively participate in the AfCFTA.

 

“The ECOWAS Commission has been working closely with critical stakeholders to facilitate the private sector.

 

“We have engaged with regional business associations, such as FEBWE, FEWACCI, MAN, and FOPAO, to support businesses and promote regional economic integration,” Touray said.

He said that ECOWAS had also developed an MSME Charter, which is a landmark document to promote the growth and development of MSMEs in West Africa.

 

According to him, the Charter focuses on a broad spectrum of intervention areas, including enterprise education, regional collaborations, regulatory enhancements, promotion of specialised development corridors, and crucial financial assistance for MSMEs.

 

He said that it also addresses issues relating to support for women in business, recognising the critical role that women play in driving economic growth and development in the region.

 

“To further support businesses, ECOWAS is developing a text on regional economic zones, with the support of the World Bank through its implementing agency, IFC.

 

“ECOWAS has also adopted a regulation on the ECOWAS Business Council with clear criteria for composition.

 

“I am confident that this fair will pave the way for increased cross-border trade, regional integration, and economic growth in our subregion,” Touray added.

Also speaking, Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, President, ESBC, said the event was organised to celebrate the “modest achievements” of MSMEs in the subregion and reaffirm their commitments to fostering a united, and thriving ECOWAS.

 

He disclosed that the group was about to create a comprehensive database of MSMEs across ECOWAS states that would serve as a foundation for understanding the needs, addressing the challenges, and fostering growth.

 

Yerima said the coalition was dedicated to overcoming barriers to cross-border trade, streamlining processes, providing access to finance and markets, and ensuring that MSMEs succeed in both regional and global markets.

 

“Today, we are reminded of the importance of regional integration in driving economic growth and development.

 

“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity for our region to increase trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

 

“This exhibition is more than just a gathering; it is a crucial step in preparing our subregion to actively participate in the AfCFTA,” he said.

 

The ESBC President noted that by fostering collaboration among SMEs, governments, and stakeholders, they would lay the groundwork for ECOWAS to become a leading contributor to Africa’s continental trade ambitions.

 

Dr Souleymane Diarrassoba, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, thanked ECOWAS for choosing the country to host the event, and pledged to collaborate towards the subregion’s integration and development.

 

Represented by Mr Silvere Konan, Director General, SMEs, he said SMEs were essential for national industrial development due to their immense potential value creation, lasting employment, and wealth development.

 

Diarrassoba noted that SMEs could play a much more important role in economic development, hence, the Ivorian government’s support for all initiatives of promoting, developing and strengthening them.

 

Mrs Fanta Cisse, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ivory Coast, in a remark, explained that the event was designed to encourage regional integration through different measures and rules that exist in the context of regional integration.

She said it was a remarkable success because all ECOWAS’ 15 member countries, including the so-called Sahel’s Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, attended.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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