470 Nigerian MSMEs to Receive UNDP Support to Build Green, Globally Competitive Businesses
csrreporters 
About 470 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria are set to receive support through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), a major initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented in collaboration with the International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA).
Under the Support to Potential and Existing Nature-Positive MSMEs (SPENM) scheme, the programme targets small business owners and social innovators who are committed to driving environmental and social impact through sustainable business models.
The announcement came during the Northwest Zone workshop in Kano, part of a larger 36-state rollout. This initiative is designed to equip MSMEs with tools, mentorship, and access to funding to help them grow beyond traditional grant cycles.
“Many NGOs and small businesses do amazing work but struggle to survive once grants end,” said Collins Ezeiruaku, ITFA Trade Ambassador. “This programme ensures long-term business sustainability by helping them evolve into social enterprises that are profitable, impactful, and future-proof.”
SPENM’s Three Core Pillars:
- Profitability – Helping MSMEs build income-generating models
- Market Access – Linking businesses to both domestic and international markets
- Certification – Assisting enterprises in securing global-standard certifications
Ezeiruaku emphasized the need for standardization and ethical compliance, pointing out that most Nigerian MSMEs lack the international certifications required to participate in global trade.
“Digital trade is borderless,” he said. “To thrive, Nigerian businesses must meet ethical and quality standards that global consumers demand.”
The programme is aligned with the “One State, One Product” initiative and involves state-level export promotion committees nominating participants. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and federal ministries are also supporting implementation.
“We’ve asked every state governor to submit nominees,” Ezeiruaku added. “Each participant will leave with a customized business model, market linkages, and ongoing mentorship.”
Key Benefits for Participants:
- Transforming one-off grants into long-lasting, impact-driven enterprises
- Accessing ITFA’s market directory for local and global trade
- Building visibility, credibility, and competitiveness
- Adopting ethical and fair-trade practices
- Contributing to Nigeria’s transition to a green economy
Rose Agbo, Programme Support to the National Coordinator of the UNDP-GEF SGP, added that the goal isn’t just compliance, but equipping entrepreneurs for resilience in both climate adaptation and economic development.
“This initiative is about turning ethical business practices into competitive advantages — creating real environmental impact while boosting income and market trust,” she said.
With this programme, Nigeria’s MSME sector is being positioned not just for survival, but for global relevance, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.