SMEDAN, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, is undergoing a transformation under the leadership of Director General, Mr. Charles Odii. The agency is unveiling a new brand with a focus on job creation, rural industrialization, and livelihood enhancement through sustainable development of the SME sub-sector.
In a recent press statement, Odii highlighted the agency’s commitment to supporting small business owners, particularly women who make up over 70% of SMEs in Nigeria. The decision to launch the new brand on International Women’s Day underscores SMEDAN’s dedication to women’s empowerment.
The statement emphasized the importance of change and progress for the agency, stating, “We want to clearly communicate our purpose, strengthen our bond with the entities that we serve, and the local and international stakeholders we collaborate with for success. More importantly, we want to reassure SMEs that we are #HereForProsperity, their prosperity.”
The new brand aims to be more approachable, modern, and vibrant, reflecting the excellence and hard work of small business owners in Nigeria. SMEDAN is rededicating itself to empowering women, recognizing their productivity and contributions to the economy.
As part of the renewal, SMEDAN is committed to providing support and resources to women within the agency and beyond. The goal is to enable growth and prosperity for all SMEs, ensuring that no one is left behind. The agency will offer guidance, resources, and connections to opportunities, with a focus on workforce support.
SMEDAN’s new approach, SMEDAN 2.0, is centered on prosperity for Nigerian business owners and the country as a whole. The agency believes that when small business owners thrive, Nigeria prospers. The focus is on creating a future-forward, people-government facing agency that works for the benefit of all.