Lagos State has launched an intensive six-week export readiness programme targeting 253 micro, small, and medium enterprises to enhance their global trade participation and competitiveness.
The collaborative initiative between Lagos State government, Afreximbank, and ImpactHER represents a strategic investment in strengthening the state’s position within intra-African trade networks and economic diversification efforts.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, described the programme as transformative for Lagos-based businesses seeking global market access. “This programme is a bold step towards transforming Lagos-based businesses into globally competitive exporters,” she stated during the flag-off ceremony.
The training programme addresses critical gaps that have historically hindered SME export participation, including inadequate packaging standards, regulatory compliance challenges, export certification deficiencies, and limited market access capabilities. These targeted interventions are designed to unlock significant export potential within Lagos’s business ecosystem.
Twenty outstanding programme participants will earn the opportunity to represent Lagos at the prestigious Intra-African Trade Fair scheduled for Algiers, Algeria, in September 2025. This selection process ensures that the most promising enterprises gain continental market exposure and networking opportunities.
Participants will receive comprehensive training covering essential export competencies including documentation procedures, international packaging standards, trade finance mechanisms, logistics optimization, customs procedures, and digital trade strategies. Gender-focused modules will specifically support women-led enterprises in overcoming unique export market challenges.
The programme aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, which creates unprecedented opportunities for intra-African trade expansion. Ambrose emphasized that Lagos, as West Africa’s economic hub, must evolve beyond domestic market limitations to harness broader continental opportunities.
Mr. Ody Akhanoba, Director of SME Development at Afreximbank, addressed participants virtually from Cairo, emphasizing the training’s importance in strengthening export value chains across Africa. The bank allocated $18.7 billion in 2024 to support SME capacity-building initiatives across 27 countries.
“For 2025, Afreximbank has expanded this commitment to reach over 3,000 SMEs across 38 African countries and seven Caribbean nations,” Akhanoba announced, highlighting the initiative’s continental scope and ambition.
The programme’s design reflects recognition that SMEs require specialized support to navigate complex export requirements and international market dynamics. By providing structured training and mentorship, the initiative aims to create sustainable export capabilities rather than one-time market access.
Selected SMEs will serve as Lagos State’s Export Ambassadors, representing the state’s commitment to international market excellence and competitive positioning. This ambassadorial role extends beyond individual business benefits to encompass broader economic development objectives.
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