Non-oil exporters dialogue on market access (Forum 5)
This event report summarises the fifth of a series of forums aimed at improving access to finance for non-oil exporters in Nigeria. It focuses on how exporters can gain access to foreign markets and conform to local and international standards.
Non-oil exporters dialogue (Forum 6)
Micro, small and medium-scale enterprises are significantly represented among businesses involved in formal and informal cross-border trade and non-oil export, but many are unable to participate competitively due to challenges in the business environment. To support efforts to effectively position Nigeria’s micro, small and medium-scale enterprises for the global market, Policy Development Facility Phase II organised a series of forums aimed at improving access to finance for non-oil exporters and at developing non-oil exports in Nigeria. This report summarises the sixth forum in the series, and focuses on ‘Improving Trade Competitiveness and Business Environment in the South East’.
Non-oil exporters dialogue on trade (Forum 3)
This event report summarises the third of a series of forums aimed at improving access to finance for non-oil exporters in Nigeria. It discusses the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, trade policy negotiations and the trade policy environment in Nigeria, as well as financing options for exporters and steps to develop non-oil exports in Nigeria.
Non-oil exporters dialogue (Forum 1)
This event report summarises a non-oil exporters dialogue to discuss the findings of a study on exporter experience, the challenges exporters face in their day-to-day engagement with export processes and procedures, and areas of opportunity for growth of the non-oil export sector.
Non-oil exporters dialogue on accessing finance (Forum 2)
This event report summarises the second of a series of forums aimed at improving access to finance for non-oil exporters in Nigeria. It explores the challenges and opportunities in financing exports as well as the stakeholder actions required to develop non-oil exports in Nigeria.
Rebuilding Nigeria’s Economy through Non-Oil Exports: A Strategic Imperative
The Non-Oil Export Community of Practice became the vehicle through which exporter voices became heard and grew in strength and in numbers. By the end of the PDF II program, the Community of Practice was formalised into a registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called the ‘Network of Practicing Non-Oil Exporters of Nigeria (NPNEN)’ to continue the efforts initiated during the PDF II. NPNEN was set up as an umbrella platform for collaboration among the different actors in Nigeria’s non-oil export value chain. NPNEN convened its major flagship event, the annual Non-oil Export Conference, Exhibition and Awards (NECEA) which is also a vehicle for actualizing its objectives.
The 2021 NECEA brought together critical stakeholders in the non-oil sector including top officials of government, civil society, private sector, the media, and academia to dialogue on how to refocus the country’s non-oil sector, for more effective participation in global trade, especially within the framework of the recently operationalized African Continental Free Trade Agreement. Given also the current state of Nigeria’s economy as evident in the downward spiraling of the Naira, there is certainly a need to revitalize the economy primarily through non-oil exports. The NECEA was a good medium to beam the spotlight on the alternative to oil as the mainstay of the economy.
Analysis of the Potentials of Nigeria’s Services Sector for Economic Diversification, Employment, and Foreign Trade.
A roundtable event on the potentials of exporting the services sector in Nigeria. At the Roundtable, it was noted that among business owners and exporters, there is little understanding of what services export entails. Many businesses engage in service exports but are not aware of this. Understanding the four modes of services – Cross border trade, Consumption abroad, Commercial presence, and Presence of natural persons – is important for business growth. To achieve this, stakeholders including the NEPC will need to conduct capacity building and sensitisation workshops for exporters, working with relevant business associations.
Report on Non-oil Export Capacity Building Series
The Trade Policy Work Stream started out by conducting a needs assessment to get direct feedback from export-oriented MSMEs, export-supporting government institutions, and export business service providers to ascertain the capacity gaps. The top 5 challenges highlighted by the respondents include lack of market linkages, lack of finance, lack of market intelligence, limited knowledge of destination country requirements, and Export documentation.
Respondents were further asked about what they would like to see if there is an opportunity for assistance with capacity building for export readiness and export market access. Each responded provided its top 3 areas of preference for capacity building. The findings from the overall assessment provided a guide on areas to address.
In response to their needs, TRD workstream designed a targeted capacity building for the non-oil export community of practice to address the knowledge and skill gaps through a 4-part Export Capacity Building (CB) Series.
