In a significant stride for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, a new cohort of small-scale manufacturers has been unleashed onto the market, armed with validated products and scalable business models. The graduation of the Manufacturers Business Accelerator (MBA) Cohort 2 marks a critical inflection point, demonstrating that with targeted intervention, micro-enterprises can rapidly evolve from informal side hustles into formal drivers of economic growth.
The event, themed around “Innovation, Inclusion, Impact,” served as a powerful showcase of what’s possible when Nigeria’s most promising entrepreneurs are given the right tools. ‘Desola Jimmy-Eboma, Founder of SSE Lab, the organization behind the MBA, framed the graduation not as an end, but as the “birth of new enterprises poised to shape industries.”
The 90-Day Transformation
The MBA programme’s model is its standout feature—a rigorous, 12-week virtual sprint that takes entrepreneurs from concept to market readiness. “In just 90 days, participants journeyed through discovery, validation, and execution,” Jimmy-Eboma explained. This intense focus on practicality and structure is designed to bridge the gap between a raw idea and a sustainable, income-generating venture.
This approach underscores a fundamental belief: the future of Nigeria’s economy is inextricably linked to the resilience and creativity of its small businesses. “By empowering them, we are not just fueling dreams but building the foundation for generations to come,” she stated.
A Call to Action: For Youth and Government
Jimmy-Eboma’s vision extends beyond the accelerator. She issued a dual challenge, first to Nigerian youth, urging them to cultivate a “can-do spirit” and a voracious reading culture. “Read widely, understand policies, and translate them into business opportunities,” she advised, positioning knowledge as the ultimate tool for innovation.
Her second challenge was directed at the government. She proposed a tangible solution for boosting agricultural value chains: the establishment of state-wide hubs to directly connect farmers with processors. “By creating such linkages, farmers will earn more value for what they produce from local areas,” she noted, highlighting a practical path to increasing local wealth.
The Banking Sector’s Role in the Ecosystem
The private sector’s role in this transformation was emphasized by Esther Obiekwe, Head of Retail and SME Banking at NOVA Bank. She presented a stark equation: “When small businesses thrive, nations prosper.” However, she pointed out that this potential is hamstrung by persistent challenges—limited finance, poor infrastructure, and regulatory complexity.
Obiekwe redefined the core needs for today’s MSMEs. “Innovation is no longer about technology alone,” she argued. “It’s about thinking differently and reimagining how we solve local problems with local resources.” She outlined NOVA Bank’s commitment through digital SME platforms and tailored advisory services, designed to help entrepreneurs “grow smarter, not just bigger.”
Her call to action for authorities was clear: simplify taxation, strengthen infrastructure, and promote digital adoption. She also urged MSMEs to formalize their operations and build customer trust, essential steps for attracting investment and achieving long-term stability.
The consensus is clear: the blueprint for redefining Nigeria’s MSME sector hinges on a powerful triad of structured entrepreneurial training, supportive financial products, and enabling government policies. The success of Cohort 2 is not just a victory for its graduates, but a proven model for the nation.
