As part of efforts to build a stronger stream of start-ups, small businesses and job-creating enterprises in Nigeria, the federal government is partnering with the Republic of Korea and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the $12 million Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE).

The new entrepreneurship centre, being developed at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Industrial Development Centre in Idu, is expected to provide entrepreneurs with access to facilities, technology, training, incubation and enterprise-development services.
   
Welcoming the project, President Bola Tinubu said that strengthening the capacity of small businesses was essential to expanding employment, household incomes and economic activity, according to a statement by Presidential Spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
   
The centre is being funded by the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), with the federal government implementing the project through SMEDAN in collaboration with UNDP.
   
The $12 million package comprises $5.9 million for construction and $6.1 million for equipment and entrepreneurship programmes.
   
At full operation, ACE is expected to support an initial 500 entrepreneurs, 400 start-ups and 1,500 MSMEs, creating a structured platform through which businesses can access the infrastructure and technical support required to move from ideas and early-stage operations to sustainable enterprises.
   
According to Tinubu, the initiative addressed an important gap in the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. He explained that “small businesses are an important part of our economy. They employ people, support families and create activity in communities across the country.
   
“Many entrepreneurs already have the ideas and the determination to succeed. What they often need is better access to facilities, technology, training and the support that can help their businesses grow.”
   
Beyond Abuja, the centre is designed to connect entrepreneurs and businesses in surrounding cities, including Kaduna, Jos, Keffi, Lafia, Minna, Makurdi and Lokoja, giving it a wider regional reach across Northern Nigeria.
   
The facility will provide workspaces, digital facilities, training, incubation and enterprise support, while partnerships with universities, financial institutions, private-sector organisations, business incubators and entrepreneur networks are expected to broaden the opportunities available to participating businesses.
   
President Tinubu said the government’s objective was not only to encourage Nigerians to establish businesses but also to create conditions that would enable existing enterprises to survive, expand and employ more people.

The project also incorporates measures to improve participation by women and persons with disabilities, with accessible facilities and crèche services planned for women with young children.

While construction continues, SMEDAN, KOICA and UNDP will work with ecosystem partners to identify businesses that can benefit from the Centre and develop programmes around their specific needs.