The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has recently conducted a comprehensive training program in Lagos, aiming to enhance the packaging and branding skills of Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs). This initiative is part of SMEDAN’s strategic efforts to position Nigerian businesses for success under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers access to a vast consumer market of 1.3 billion people.
During the training, SMEDAN’s Director General, Charles Odii—represented by Deputy Director of Special Duties, Tunde Oloyede—emphasized the critical role of effective packaging and branding in creating competitive, export-ready products. He highlighted that poor product presentation and inadequate brand visibility have historically hindered Nigerian products in regional markets. The program aimed to address these challenges by equipping entrepreneurs with modern techniques and knowledge to enhance their market appeal.
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Participants from various sectors, including agribusiness, cosmetics, food processing, and textiles, engaged in expert-led sessions covering modern packaging techniques, brand identity development, market positioning, regulatory compliance, and sustainable packaging solutions. The training also featured live product audits, case studies of successful African brands, and interactive design labs focused on building culturally resonant yet globally appealing brand identities. Additionally, entrepreneurs were introduced to tools for leveraging e-commerce and meeting AfCFTA export requirements.
Looking ahead, SMEDAN plans to expand this initiative to Nigeria’s northern region, reflecting its broader commitment to inclusive enterprise development across all geopolitical zones. This expansion aims to ensure that Nigerian products are not only visible but also competitive in the emerging African trade landscape.
This training underscores SMEDAN’s dedication to empowering Nigerian SMEs to thrive in the continental market, fostering economic growth and enhancing the global competitiveness of locally made products.
