SMEDAN launches accelerator programme to support 100 female entrepreneurs

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched the ‘GrowHer Accelerator Programme’ to support 100 female entrepreneurs.

The initiative was unveiled on Thursday in Abuja at an event marking the 2025 International Women’s Day, themed, ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’.

Speaking at the event, Charles Odii, SMEDAN’s director-general, emphasised the need to move beyond discussions to implementing real economic solutions for women in business.

Odii noted the critical role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, stating that they account for 39.65 million businesses, contribute nearly 50 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP), and provide 60 million jobs.

“If there are 100 businesses in Nigeria, 96 of them are MSMEs,” he said.

Despite their contributions, Odii said low manufacturing output (10-15 percent) and underdeveloped industrial jobs are key challenges in the sector.

As part of SMEDAN’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, the director-general unveiled the GROW initiative — an acronym for guardians, resources, opportunities, and workforce support.

“GROW is our promise to you. We will guide you with regulatory support, connect you to financial resources, and provide the opportunities you need to expand,” he said.

The SMEDAN boss encouraged women entrepreneurs to leverage international trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS trade liberalisation scheme (ETLS) to expand their businesses.

“We encourage women entrepreneurs to leverage international trade agreements to expand their businesses,” Odii said.

“The dollar standard is rising, and the solution is simple: if you start exporting, the dollar will start coming in.

“So, we urge you to take the advantage of agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme to grow your businesses.”

On her part, Olabimpe Fawale, head of women and youth unit at SMEDAN, said the programme will empower 100 women annually across three cohorts.

“We are opening the portal for registration immediately, and we will be shortlisting beneficiaries to join the programme,” Fawale added.

She said the programme is designed to provide entrepreneurs with essential resources and assistance to foster their growth and development.

Also speaking, Nonye Ayeni, executive-director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), stressed the importance of improving product packaging to enhance export competitiveness.

She also urged entrepreneurs to work in clusters and de-risk their businesses to gain better financial support.