In a bold move to boost entrepreneurship and transform Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in partnership with Wema Bank has officially opened applications for the highly anticipated 2025 SMEDAN-Wema Capacity Building Program.
This innovative initiative is designed to equip 800,000 MSMEs and youth-led businesses across the country with the knowledge, tools, and strategic insight needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving and competitive business landscape.
The SMEDAN-Wema Capacity Building Program is more than just a training workshop—it’s a comprehensive entrepreneurial development package tailored to the realities of Nigerian businesses. The program’s core pillars include Digital Marketing, Business Strategy Development, and Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business Growth, all of which are crucial to scaling modern enterprises in a tech-driven global economy.
What sets this program apart is its 100% virtual delivery model, making it accessible to participants from all parts of Nigeria—urban or rural. No matter your location, you can plug into a world-class learning experience from the comfort of your home or office, eliminating barriers that typically hinder MSMEs in underserved regions.
Beyond the core training sessions, participants will gain exclusive access to mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and global business experts. This hands-on guidance will help participants develop viable business strategies, refine operational models, and avoid common pitfalls faced by startups and growing businesses.
The program also emphasizes practical impact and long-term support. After completing the training, participants won’t be left on their own. They will benefit from access to markets and financing opportunities, allowing them to scale their businesses and position themselves competitively both locally and internationally. These additional layers of support are aimed at ensuring that the skills learned translate into measurable business growth.
Speaking on the launch, a representative of SMEDAN described the program as “a national milestone that directly addresses the barriers preventing MSMEs from thriving. We are proud to collaborate with Wema Bank to bring practical, results-driven training and mentorship to the doorsteps of our entrepreneurs.”
Wema Bank also reaffirmed its commitment to youth and small business development, highlighting the program as part of its broader vision to support innovation, inclusion, and economic sustainability across Nigeria.
The ripple effect of this initiative is expected to be significant. By empowering hundreds of thousands of businesses, the SMEDAN-Wema Capacity Building Program will help create jobs, reduce poverty, and contribute to national economic development. With the right knowledge and support systems in place, Nigerian entrepreneurs will be better positioned to compete globally, adopt technology, and lead in innovation.
How to Apply
Entrepreneurs and MSME operators interested in participating are encouraged to apply early, as spaces are limited. Applications can be submitted through the official SMEDAN or Wema Bank websites and associated digital platforms.
This program represents a golden opportunity for aspiring and existing business owners to receive the tools they need to grow—don’t miss it.
