A crucial dialogue focused on the power of local enterprise, themed “Building Businesses that Build Better Communities,” was recently held in Yaba, Lagos, drawing participants from across the state, including members of the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellows program.3 The US Consulate joined the event as part of its 2025 outreach, underscoring the international significance of Nigeria’s SME sector.
Riase Dukas, the US Consulate Representative, spoke at the event, emphasizing the indispensable role of small-scale businesses in driving the Nigerian economy.
The Engine of Economic Growth
Dukas highlighted that entrepreneurship is critical everywhere, serving as the engine for progress by:
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Driving Innovation
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Creating Jobs
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Providing Livelihoods
She affirmed the US commitment to fostering a stronger economic relationship with Nigerian business owners: “We believe in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and US businesses to promote economic growth.”
Nurturing Future Leaders
The event also shone a light on the Mandela Washington Fellows program—a six-week initiative that offers young African entrepreneurs access to:
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Top US universities.
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Meetings with leading American business leaders.
The Consulate representative expressed the hope that this dialogue marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the fellows. The goal is to monitor how their businesses and efforts grow and connect with the government to make meaningful and lasting impacts in their communities.
