Trade and investment Archives - Page 2 of 8

MSME Aggregation and Growth Study

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.

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.

Development of AfCFTA Strategy and Implementation Plan

This report documents the strategic plan for the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) by Nigeria following a diagnostic review of the prevailing trade ecosystem including the participants (traders and service providers), the regulating agencies, prevailing policies, and processes as well as the level of regional integration.

Capacity Building for Trade Associations (Day 2)

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

Here is a link to Day 1 of the training.

Capacity Building for Trade Associations

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

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.

AfCFTA Ratification Study

This study was commissioned by the PDF Bridge Programme with a specific term of reference for use by the Beneficiary, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI). It is expected that this report will provide current and actionable recommendations that will support FMITI on the AfCFTA ratification process and enhance its preparedness for implementation.

Strengthening the structure of Trade Associations in the Non-oil Export sector for better Governance and Leadership.

This is a presentation from the second day of the Trade Associations capacity building titled – Strengthening the structure of Trade Associations in the Non-oil Export sector for better Governance and Leadership. It covers Member Relations & Communication, Advocacy and Stakeholder Management, Fundraising & Financial Management as well as Leadership & Corporate Governance.

Improving Nigeria’s Non-oil Exports: Aba Industrial City

Aba Industrial City is an aggregation of thousands of MSMEs and mass producers of industrial goods including garment and leather products. If properly harnessed, the mass production capacities of component clusters of AIC and similar models are capable of positioning Nigeria at a competitive advantage in the global garment and leather industrial space. In 2016, the Textile, Apparel, and Footwear sector contributed N2 trillion ($6.6 billion), approximately 2% of Nigeria’s total GDP, to Nigeria’s economy.

REPORT OF BASELINE STUDY ON LAGOON FISHING IN OGUN STATE

This is the report of the study on improving the livelihood of fishing folks in Ogun State. The fieldwork spanned through 15 days from 11 – 25 August 2016 and covered four fishing communities, Iwopin, Oni, Makun-Omi, and Agbalegiyo in Ogun Water Side Local Government Area with headquarters at Abigi.