SMEDAN Launches Initiative for 100,000 Young Entrepreneurs

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has introduced the Building Resilient Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs Project, targeting to support more than 100,000 young Nigerians each year. This initiative was launched on International Youth Day 2026 and aims to strengthen youth participation in the economy.

The programme will offer enterprise training, incubation, mentorship, and access to finance through both physical and digital platforms. Charles Odii, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, stated that the initiative addresses the challenges young entrepreneurs face in accessing support at various business development stages.

The programme will be implemented through four major channels, including the SMEDAN Incubation Programme, which will assist 600 young entrepreneurs annually in sectors like fashion, woodwork, and agriculture. Additionally, the Campus Enterprise Engagement Platform will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education to provide entrepreneurship support directly to tertiary institutions, targeting up to 3,000 participants per campus.