Nasarawa State, Nigeria
By Alfred Akwe
The International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA) has launched a nationwide training programme for 470 nature-positive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), aimed at boosting sustainable growth and global market access.
Speaking at the inauguration of the North Central zone edition in Lafia, Nasarawa State, ITFA’s Director of Export Trade Development, Mr Abdullahi Sidi-Aliyu, said the initiative—Support to Potential and Existing Nature Positive MSMEs (SPENM)—is funded by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Sidi-Aliyu explained that the training would empower entrepreneurs with practical tools for building resilient, environmentally responsible enterprises while gaining access to fair trade certification and global visibility.
He encouraged participants to network, share ideas, and take full advantage of the resources provided.
ITFA Technical Adviser, Dr Abel Owotemu, added that the programme is focused on enhancing export readiness, particularly for women-led MSMEs, with targeted support for high-value sectors like cocoa, groundnuts, and mining. A digital platform will also be introduced to support market access and global certification.
Some participants, including leaders from NCWS and FOMWAN in Nasarawa State, expressed optimism about the programme’s impact, especially in empowering women economically and reducing dependence. They believe the initiative could lead to reduced gender-based violence by increasing women’s financial independence.
The SPENM programme will be held across all six geopolitical zones, with 100 MSMEs targeted in each zone. Organisers say the long-term goal is to build a network of sustainable businesses that drive economic diversification and environmental protection nationwide.(www.krestnews.com).