…Odii Hosts EU Ambassador, Mignot; Targets Green, Digital Economy Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the European Union have moved to deepen cooperation aimed at expanding market access, investment opportunities and enterprise support for Nigerian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, hosted the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Gautier Mignot, and his delegation at the agency’s headquarters today for high-level discussions on strengthening the Nigeria-EU enterprise development partnership.
The engagement focused on creating stronger pathways for Nigerian businesses, particularly young entrepreneurs and MSMEs, to access international markets, investment, technology, skills and other resources required to scale their operations.
The discussions also highlighted the growing opportunities presented by the green and digital economies, with participants stressing the potential of Nigeria’s youthful entrepreneurial population to take advantage of emerging sectors.
Odii said stronger international partnerships remained critical to building a more competitive and inclusive enterprise ecosystem, with SMEDAN committed to ensuring that such relationships translate into tangible opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The SMEDAN chief, who emphasised the importance of connecting Nigerian enterprises to global opportunities, said the agency would continue to foster partnerships capable of strengthening MSME productivity, innovation and access to markets.
As part of the engagement, Ambassador Mignot and his delegation toured SMEDAN’s Common Facility Centre and workshop, where they were introduced to practical interventions supporting enterprise development, innovation, skills acquisition and productivity.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the EU delegation to interact with young Nigerian entrepreneurs and small business owners, while local government stakeholders participated in discussions on expanding enterprise development at the grassroots.
A major area of discussion was how stronger Nigeria-EU cooperation could improve international patronage for Nigerian products and services, unlock investment and provide entrepreneurs with access to the technology, financing and expertise needed to grow.
The engagement comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria-EU economic and trade relations. Nigeria and the EU launched a Senior Officials’ Trade and Investment Dialogue in 2025, with discussions covering market access, investment and trade-related development cooperation.
SMEDAN said it appreciated the EU’s continued engagement with Nigeria’s enterprise ecosystem and reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger partnership capable of supporting MSMEs and young entrepreneurs.
The agency noted that collaboration with international partners remains central to its efforts to drive enterprise development, job creation and inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
