SMEDAN Launches Training for Future Entrepreneurs in Abuja

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has commenced a two-week Training of Trainers programme at the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE), aimed at nurturing a new generation of innovative and globally competitive entrepreneurs. Onesi-Lawani, representing SMEDAN's Director General, Mr. Charles Odii, announced that the program attracted over 1,100 applications, with 80 candidates shortlisted and 30 ultimately selected after a rigorous screening process conducted by the Project Management Consortium (PMC).

The successful participants will be certified as ACE trainers and will guide aspiring entrepreneurs in building scalable, investment-ready businesses. Onesi-Lawani emphasized the need for entrepreneurs capable of attracting funding and highlighted priority sectors such as Fintech, Agritech, Healthtech, and the Creative Economy.

He urged participants to contribute to transforming Nigerian youths into competitive entrepreneurs, supporting Nigeria's ambition to become one of the world's ten largest economies. The program aims to strengthen the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Nigeria.