BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, has uplifted 600 Nigeran-owned businesses nationwide under its Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs, SPENM, project.
Implemented through the International Trade Facilitators Association, ITFA, the UNDP Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme UNDP/GEF-SGP had enabled benefitting enterprises to transition from donor dependence to sustainable and market-ready businesses.
National Coordinator of UNDP/GEF-SGP, Dr Ibirounke Olubamise stated this at the unveiling of Nature Positive Organisation Online Directory in Abuja, an initiative that supports the Federal Government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, to grow.
She stated that the SPENM project will strengthen local capacity, improve market access and prepare eco-conscious businesses for international trade, adding that it would be achieved through compliance with green standards and sustainability requirements by assisting MSMEs to move beyond dependence on grants.
Olubamise rated SPENM as a post-grant sustainability initiative designed to address the short-lived impact of many interventions targeting non-governmental organisations and MSMEs, saying that the project was launched with a catalytic $50,000 seed grant from the UNDP-administered GEF-SGP and complemented by an equivalent value of in-kind contributions.
The initiative equips environmentally friendly enterprises, Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, and community-based organisations with skills, market access and global certification pathways needed to remain viable beyond donor funding.
Olubamise hinted that the project targets grassroots enterprises, including farmers, processors and nature-positive MSMEs engaged in renewable energy, waste reduction and environmental conservation.
She identified over-dependency on grant, funding constraints, market barriers and infrastructure deficit as major challenges obstructing the success of the programme.
The Media Consultant to ITFA, Mrs Okiemute Olori pointed out that the meeting was organised to inform journalists on the progress of the GEF-SGP project, as the initiative is assisting MSMEs to build sustainable businesses and improve the export readiness of their products.
Trade Ambassador of ITFA, Mr Collins Ezeiruaku maintained that the newly unveiled online directory would connect businesses with buyers and improve access to genuine products.
He described the initiative as a global platform that will showcase Nigerian businesses by providing visibility, credibility, business information and continuous training for participating enterprises.
The Ambassador informed that businesses listed on the platform would also gain access to markets and opportunities from organisations seeking credible enterprises to support, even as the directory would serve as a continuous link with grassroots businesses while providing other entrepreneurs with an opportunity to register their enterprises free of charge.
He said that all products displayed on the platform will be verified to ensure authenticity and provide consumers with reliable information, noting that the directory is targeting 400 registered entities and had so far enrolled 189 businesses.
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