9mobile empowers SMEs with market access
…as FG commends initiative
Nigeria’s latest entrant into the telecommunications industry, 9mobile, in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University has bolstered the growth of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by hosting budding entrepreneurs in Abuja and adjoining states at the 17th edition of the company’s Market Access Forum in Abuja.
Market Access Forum is a quarterly business networking and empowerment platform for young entrepreneurs to interact with large corporations in order to share knowledge and strategies that can stimulate business growth.
The theme for the forum was, “Access to Sustainable Market for SMEs, Challenges and Opportunities.”
Speaking at the forum, Director, Enterprise Segment, 9mobile, Eric Uwaoma, said market access is one of many ways 9mobile supports start-ups and encourages Nigerians to pursue their business goals.
“9mobile Market Access enables budding entrepreneurs to gain the requisite knowledge by bringing them in contact with other entrepreneurs to share knowledge and ideas for running successful businesses.”
He said,”Through an array of innovative enterprise solutions and platforms such as SME Arena, MoreBusiness 2.0, Millionaire Hunt, KwikCash, 9mobile Prize for Innovation and 9mobile Prize for Literature amongst others, 9mobile has also been and will continue to be at the forefront of promoting the growth of SMEs.”
Uwaoma, who was represented by Head, Enterprise Market Segment, 9mobile, Chinelo Mbanefo, re-assured SMEs owners of the telco’s unwavering commitment to enterprise development through the launch of more innovative solutions and the delivery of quality services.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, commended 9mobile for its passion for the growth of Nigerian SMEs and said the telco’s demonstration of support for small businesses aligned with the Federal Government’s policy of economic diversification.
The Minister, who was represented by John Opaluwa, an Assistant Director in the ministry, also assured of government’s readiness to partner with public and private organisations to develop micro, small and medium enterprises as part of government’s economic restructuring plan.
Manager, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan Atlantic University, Aisha Dasuki, said, “The common challenges most growing businesses in Nigeria face include, limited access to the market, low access to credit facilities, complex process of obtaining regulatory approvals and multiple taxation amongst others. Platforms such as Market Access Forum, therefore, offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other players.”
Market Access initiative launched in May 2011, is a collaboration of the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University, 9mobile and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Since its inception, the platform has aided SMEs in networking and developing productive and beneficial relationships. The 9mobile sponsored platform has toured key regions in the country including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu.
By Tony Nwakaegho
