Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is gaining praise for his bold step to expand trade and empower small businesses. Under his leadership, SMEDAN partnered with the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation to launch a new SME Digital Platform and Knowledge Centre. This centre is designed to boost small businesses in Nigeria and other D-8 member countries.
The Charles Odii SME growth strategy is clear. It focuses on digital transformation, global partnerships, and trade expansion. At the launch event in Abuja, Odii said the initiative aims to position Nigeria’s SMEs to tap into the $500 billion trade potential within the D-8 community. He explained that access to data, funding, and capacity development will be made easier for businesses through this new platform.
The D-8 SME Centre will serve as a central hub for innovation and business development. It will connect entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey. Odii emphasized that Nigerian entrepreneurs will benefit from exposure to global markets and new investment opportunities.
He also pointed out that the centre will support knowledge-sharing across borders. Startups will have access to industry research, investment data, and practical business tools. The Charles Odii SME growth vision includes building networks that help young entrepreneurs and women-led businesses thrive.
D-8 Secretary-General, Ambassador Isiaka Imam, praised Odii’s leadership. He said SMEDAN has shown strong commitment to helping SMEs succeed in global trade. Imam noted that the centre aligns with D-8’s core goals of economic cooperation and inclusive growth. He called it a timely solution for developing economies trying to scale their micro and small enterprises.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, also spoke at the event. She highlighted the importance of SMEs in driving national development. She said that the ministry fully supports SMEDAN’s push for digital innovation and cross-border trade. She added that this new centre will help Nigerian entrepreneurs grow faster and compete globally.
Odii explained that his team is already working on strategic partnerships. These include collaborations with fintech companies, training providers, and export agencies. He stressed that no SME should be left behind and that technology will bridge many of the challenges these businesses face today.
The Charles Odii SME growth plan aims to create long-term impact. It focuses on removing barriers for startups, improving market access, and linking Nigerian products to global value chains. With the right digital tools and support, more small businesses can move beyond local markets and contribute to national GDP.
Many Nigerian entrepreneurs see this move as a game-changer. They believe that SMEDAN is finally unlocking the doors to real global business opportunities. With continued effort and leadership from Odii, Nigeria’s SMEs are set to gain stronger footing on the world stage.
This launch is more than a symbolic step. It is part of a wider agenda to reshape how Nigeria supports its small businesses. Charles Odii’s SME growth strategy has now taken root and is gaining international attention.
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