The Adamawa State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), is making a significant push to integrate its local businesses into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol. Yesterday, at a capacity training workshop in Yola, 150 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were presented with official export certificates.
Mr. Anani Egon, NEPC’s North-East Regional Coordinator, explained that the workshop and the certificates are designed to build the capacity of profiled SMEs on the necessary procedures and requirements for trading under the AfCFTA agreement, enabling them to expand into regional and continental markets.
State Government’s Financial Commitment
Dr. Ishaya Dabari, the Adamawa Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, highlighted the state government’s direct financial backing for the initiative, noting that the government paid for the certificates as part of its efforts to enhance the ease of doing business.
“The export certificate is made to promote legitimate and legal businesses for export. We want the young people to take advantage of this opportunity to excel,” said Commissioner Dabari.
The program aligns with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s vision to positively impact the youth and ensure they are not left out of economic prosperity.
Dr. Abubakar Bello, Focal Person of the World Bank SABER Programme (which is providing technical leadership alongside NEPC), confirmed the state government’s funding, noting the “remarkable achievement” of moving the number of beneficiaries to 150. The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of these beneficiaries for sustained success in their respective businesses.
