In a move set to redefine the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have formalized a strategic partnership designed to unlock growth opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses nationwide. The collaboration aims to equip business owners with the tools, knowledge, and financial access necessary to scale operations and compete in a rapidly evolving market.
Central to this initiative is mySMEville, a digital platform crafted to support entrepreneurs in securing funding, expanding into new markets, and leveraging modern digital tools to optimize their operations. The platform serves as a one-stop resource for SMEs seeking to transition from informal setups to structured, growth-oriented enterprises. By encouraging digital adoption, the initiative ensures that small businesses can participate in Nigeria’s growing digital economy rather than risk being left behind.
Beyond technology, the partnership focuses on financial inclusion and business capacity building. Through mobile money integrations and targeted funding programs, SMEs can access credit, improve payment systems, and reach a wider customer base. This approach addresses long-standing challenges that have historically hindered small business growth and empowers entrepreneurs to operate efficiently across multiple sectors, from retail and agribusiness to services and creative industries.
The initiative also prioritizes skills development and mentorship, offering business advisory services, specialized training, and exposure to contemporary practices in digital marketing, customer management, and product development. These resources aim to strengthen the resilience of SMEs amid rising operational costs and global market competition.
For Nigeria’s economy, the partnership represents a significant opportunity. SMEs account for a substantial portion of employment and economic activity; enhancing their capabilities can stimulate job creation, boost innovation, and deepen value-chain participation. With mySMEville acting as a bridge between resources and entrepreneurs, MTN and SMEDAN are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, digitally empowered, and globally competitive SME sector.
