BENCCIMA Launches Initiatives for SMEs Growth in Edo

Dr. Jonathan Alel Oboit, the Deputy President of the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA), disclosed on Friday that the upcoming Edo Trade Fair will serve as a strategic platform to drive youth employment and financial inclusion. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and deepen collaboration with private sector financial institutions.

The fair aims to offer tailored financial products and enterprise support services to young entrepreneurs. The event, which was deferred last year to allow for a data-driven plan, is scheduled to commence in November.

It will focus on sustainable and scalable measures to enhance economic impact. Consultations have been held with regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, to ensure that showcased products meet national standards.

The initiative seeks to unify critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative industry to promote local products and reduce import dependence.