Angola’s National Institute of Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM) is contemplating the adaptation of Nigeria’s mySMEville framework following the rapid growth of the digital platform developed through a partnership between MTN Nigeria and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

The move came as an Angolan delegation led by INAPEM Chairman, Bráulio Augusto, visited MTN’s headquarters to study the initiative, which was created to address funding, infrastructure, market access and information challenges facing Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The platform targets a sector that comprises more than 40 million businesses, contributes 48 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and accounts for 84 per cent of employment, but continues to face significant barriers to growth.

According to the partners, only 3.9 per cent of small businesses have access to formal credit, leaving an estimated $158 billion annual financing gap.

Launched following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between MTN and SMEDAN in November 2025, mySMEville began with a pilot programme involving more than 200 businesses in Lagos and has since expanded to over 2,600 businesses nationwide.

Speaking during the visit, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr Charles Odii, said the collaboration demonstrated how public and private sector partnerships could help address challenges facing small businesses across Africa.

“The success of this collaboration proves that Africa’s $158 billion MSME funding and digital gap cannot be solved in isolation. It requires a borderless mindset. Hosting our partners from Angola demonstrates that when public policy aligns with private-sector technology, we build an unstoppable ecosystem capable of formalising and transforming millions of businesses across the continent,” he said.

Also speaking, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, said the company was focused on building platforms capable of supporting enterprise growth and driving economic development.

“At MTN Business, our mission is clear: we want to be the leading technology partner that helps African enterprises grow, compete and make a lasting impact. We are focused on building meaningful platforms and solutions that scale, creating ecosystems that truly speed up inclusive economic growth for everyone,” she said.