Connect Nigeria seeks to empower one million firms

Succour appears to be underway for some entrepreneurs and small business owners in Nigeria, as Connect Nigeria has revealed plans to empower one million of them to turn their business into strong brands through its e-Business fair.

To achieve this, the recipients will be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and insights to build and grow their business using technology, and to build strong business network.

For this year, the trainees, which consisted of over 5,000 owners of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were tutored on strategy and techniques in retail and E-commerce management to grow businesses online to boost sales. This demonstrates the importance of mobile apps and web development in leveraging business growth, tech-driven marketing, and the best approach and strategy to further grow businesses.

Speaking about the initiative, CEO, Connect Nigeria, Emeka Okafor, said the e-Business fair is aimed to bring Nigerian businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs up to speed in line with global practices, “the modus-operandi of running a business has evolved with the advent of digitisation. I implore SMEs to take full advantage of new technology to grow their businesses. This fair is planned towards ensuring that all the trainees will acquire the requisite knowledge, information and ideas required to grow their businesses.”

Corroborating him, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Payporte, Eyo Bassey, said to succeed in this information age, outdated methods must be upgraded, “to triumph in business, one must dispense with obsolete skills. Also, experience and tenacity are essential tools to thrive.”

On E-Commerce in Nigeria, Bassey noted that the sector was barely untapped amidst its great potential, “I encourage Nigerians who are interested in E-Business not to hesitate, as the market is viable.”

For Retail Segments, Union Bank, Paul Aseme, business owners should harness technology to grow their enterprises, invest in a proper business plan and proper accounting.