NANTS, GIZ, and ECOWAS Empower SMEs in FCT with Export Training - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

In a strategic move to boost economic empowerment and create wealth opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), in collaboration with the German Development Agency (GIZ) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has organized a specialized training program on exports for its members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The training, which focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to access international markets, is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of Nigerian traders and entrepreneurs to compete globally. By building their expertise in export processes, standards, and requirements, the program is expected to open new pathways for businesses to scale and thrive beyond local markets.

According to NANTS, the empowerment strategy is a deliberate approach to encourage wealth creation through non-oil exports and to promote Nigeria’s participation in regional and global trade. The association emphasized that SMEs are at the heart of economic growth and that initiatives like this provide them with practical solutions for sustainable development.

The event also featured members drawn from other key economic and business development organizations in Nigeria such as the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA). It would be recalled that NANTS has also worked with the World Bank under the Trade Facilitation West Africa (TFWA) project on export-related initiatives and is currently partnering with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to coach and support its members on export services. These empowerment strategies, described as top-notch, further position NANTS as a strong driver of private sector engagement in trade, with tangible impacts on Nigeria’s overall economy.

So far, the training has been successfully held in Abia State and the FCT, with plans already underway to extend similar programs to other states across the country. This continuous rollout underscores the commitment of NANTS and its partners to ensure that more entrepreneurs benefit from export-oriented knowledge, thereby contributing to job creation, poverty reduction, and economic diversification.

Stakeholders at the training commended the collaboration between NANTS, GIZ, and ECOWAS, stressing that such partnerships are crucial for achieving inclusive economic growth and positioning Nigeria as a strong player in regional and international trade.