Micro Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) are integral to the stimulation of developing economies as exploiting the full capabilities of MSMEs will improve trade competitiveness aimed towards achieving the objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). PDF Bridge Programme recognises the role that MSMEs can play in the implementation of the AfCFTA; and is supporting the National Action Committee of the AfCFTA Secretariat by funding this study. The output from this study will contribute to the initiatives to prepare the country and its stakeholders to compete in Africa’s single market, resulting from the implementation of AfCFTA, which commenced in January 2021. The key objectives of the study are: to grow MSMEs and evaluate measures to scale up their production by addressing constraints, gaps, and requirements, to identify measures to aggregate MSMEs products to meet export demand in terms of quantity and quality, to review several approaches to address production capacity, production quality, and market access issues and from review of international best practices ascertain learning points in defining the optimal pathway for Nigeria and to recommend optimal pathway or a combination of pathways that could be employed for MSMEs aggregation, growth, productivity, quality standard and market access to improve Nigeria’s export potential and capacity in line with AfCFTA implementation timetable.
Associated resources
Continuous and consistent implementation of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) has been identified as crucial to the diversification agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN). Despite its importance, however, the programme has experienced various implementation challenges and, at least, three suspensions since inception. The aim of this study is to provide evidence-based information on EEG implementation to guide relevant stakeholders to reform and reposition the scheme for greater effectiveness. The study aims to specifically analyse the impact of the grant on the beneficiaries prior to suspension in 2013 and the post-suspension implementation from 2017. It also investigates the challenges faced by beneficiaries in their attempts to access the grant. The study applied both primary through survey and secondary data through desk review to address the set objectives of the study. The survey was conducted through three methods: (i) administration of questionnaires, (ii) Key informant interviews (KII), and (iii) focused group discussions (FGD).
This is a study carried out to provide the management of YouWiN with an improved approach they can adopt to encourage women’s participation in the business plan competition. It was conducted in 2012 with the support of FCDO (formerly DFID). Based on the findings and lessons from the study, recommendations were made for consideration by the management of the YouWiN programme to increase the number of women participating, winning grants and running sustainable businesses under the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria Programme (YouWiN!)
Africa’s contribution to global trade in services is little with slow growth despite rapid globalisation and liberalisation. The continent’s intra – African trade in services is also relatively little. Nigeria’s services sector contribution to its GDP is huge, representing 55.8 per cent in 2017. It recorded a growth rate of 1.83percent in 2018. Hence, the services sector possesses the immense potential to promote diversification, employment, and growth, even without a current holistic services sector policy. This study specifically mapped and profiled key services sectors; reviewed domestic regulations relating to services; estimated the current and future potentials for export, and provided associated recommendations.
Trade Associations play a role in promoting appropriate policies, regulations, and necessary reforms relating to their sector of operations. They create opportunities for networking and consultations among industry players as well as being a voice when it comes to new regulations and legislations while encouraging best practices among its members. According to Peter Gomersall[1], trade associations exist to support their members and further their interests, to defend them when they are under threats and to promote a common position on issues affecting the environment in which they operate.
Given the foregoing, the PDF Bridge Trade Policy Workstream organised a two-day capacity-building session targeted at strengthening the leadership of non-oil export-related trade associations and improve on their business strategy to position them to take advantage of the opportunities in the non-oil export value chain. The sessions had in attendance delegates from government agencies such as FMITI, NAQS, FMARD, NOTN, CBN as well as executives of trade group drawn from various industries including agricultural commodities farmers, agricultural commodities exchange and aggregators, industrialists, agro-processors, women, and youth development groups, textile and apparel among other participants.
[1] https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEDS/article/download/7852/8030
This is the report from a feasibility study conducted on the possibility of constructing a border post and associated infrastructure at Saki West, Oyo State. Conducted in 2012 and funded by FCDO Nigeria Policy Development Facility (FCDO-PDF).
