The German Economic and Development Agency (GIZ) recently evaluated 480,000 small businesses in Nigeria, aiming to help these businesses grow and contribute to the country’s economy.
This assessment, part of GIZ’s Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment (SEDIN) program, spans five Nigerian states—Ogun, Edo, Plateau, Niger, and Lagos—as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
Through SEDIN, GIZ seeks to strengthen sustainable infrastructure, green energy, and responsible production across Nigeria.
During a stakeholders’ forum in Abeokuta, Ogun State, GIZ’s Head of Business Environment Reform, Investment, and Infrastructure, Mr. Akinropo Omoware, shared that their study found 60 business clusters in need of focused support. The forum, themed *“Towards Building Sustainable Infrastructure, Fostering Green Industries, and Responsible Production in Nigeria,”* brought together government officials, business owners, and experts to discuss ways to strengthen Nigeria’s small business sector.
Omoware highlighted that SEDIN’s work includes looking at each business cluster’s environmental and social governance, operational practices, and ability to scale. “We’re moving from traditional value chain models to empowering industrial and digital clusters with better infrastructure, green energy, and market access,” he explained.
The GIZ program aims to address infrastructure gaps, support green energy solutions, and create policies that make it easier for small businesses to access funding and thrive. “Nigeria’s job market depends on a growing private sector,” Omoware said. “Government and businesses need to work together to build policies that encourage job creation.”
The Ogun State Government, represented by Director of Industrial Promotion Mr. Kayode Akintonmide, highlighted state programs supporting small businesses, including grants, cooperative projects, and low-interest loan schemes through partnerships with the Bank of Industry.
Omoware concluded by emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure, reliable energy, and better broadband connectivity to help Nigerian businesses compete globally. Stakeholders agreed that by focusing on sustainable practices and renewable energy, small businesses can drive Nigeria’s economic growth and create jobs across the country.
This collaboration between GIZ, Nigerian state governments, and small business owners represents a promising step toward a more resilient, sustainable economy.