The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) have officially sealed a collaborative pact to implement the Startup Act, focusing on fostering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) growth in Nigeria. This landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was inked during a ceremony attended by the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, and the Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, alongside their respective management teams.
The MOU underscores a strategic partnership aimed at realizing the President’s vision of diversifying Nigeria’s economy by leveraging technological innovation to enhance productivity. Through this alliance, NITDA and SMEDAN are committed to providing a conducive environment for the growth and sustainability of SMEs, which are integral to the economic development of the nation.
Key components of the collaboration include facilitating access to funding, mentorship programs, and other forms of support tailored to empower SMEs. This initiative aligns with the broader national agenda to create an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation, driving economic diversification and job creation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, DG-NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, emphasized the transformative potential of technology in catalyzing SME development. He expressed confidence that the partnership with SMEDAN would play a pivotal role in realizing the objectives outlined in the Startup Act.
DG-SMEDAN, Charles Odii, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the collaborative effort as a significant step towards unlocking the full potential of SMEs in Nigeria. The joint commitment of both agencies signifies a concerted effort to create an innovation-driven landscape that propels the growth of small and medium enterprises
