Nigeria is investing in social enterprises led by women and persons with disabilities (PLWD) to drive inclusive economic growth. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched an empowerment program across 21 states, targeting cooperatives predominantly led by these groups.
The program provides comprehensive training in business management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, as well as financial assistance to enhance business sustainability. By focusing on cooperatives owned by women and PLWD, SMEDAN aims to foster social enterprises that create economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
See more: Togo: Government Reaffirms Commitment to Demographic Dividend.
SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and sustainability in economic growth.
This initiative builds on SMEDAN’s existing programs to empower marginalized groups, such as the Women In Self-Employment Programme (WISE-P) and the Advancement for Women in Agriculture, Agro-allied, and Cottage Enterprises (AWAKE) program.
