The Nigerian and German governments have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at bolstering Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises MSMEs in Nigeria.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, made this announcement during a bilateral meeting held in Abuja in partnership with the German Ministry of Economic Development.
Uzoka-Anite acknowledged the existing partnership between the two nations and expressed optimism about deepening the connection to foster a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship.
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted key areas of interest, including renewable energy, agriculture, and increasing access to finance for MSMEs, which are crucial for boosting the industrial sector of the economy.
She emphasized the President’s commitment to economic revitalization, job creation, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of renewables, all aimed at attracting investments and enhancing industrialization in the country.
To further demonstrate the government’s dedication, Uzoka-Anite mentioned the establishment of the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalization, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, with a comprehensive agenda focusing on various sectors of the economy.
In response, German Minister Ms. Svenja Schulze highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with Germany, dating back to 1959, and stressed the importance of cooperation for mutual benefit. She acknowledged Nigeria’s challenges, including security issues, resource conflicts, climate change, and population growth, emphasizing the need to address underlying causes such as job creation, energy, and food security.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting small businesses in Nigeria. He underscored the significance of the bilateral meeting, which aimed to discuss cooperation and bilateral support for MSMEs, agriculture, energy (particularly solar power), and entrepreneurship skills development, especially for women-led businesses.
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