British Council, SMEDAN Join Forces to Boost MSME Financing in Nigeria
The British Council, in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and supported by the Investment Climate Reform Facility (ICR), has launched the Impact Advisory Group (IAG) — a new initiative to improve access to finance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
The IAG was inaugurated during the National Roundtable on MSME Financing held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, and private sector leaders to design solutions that make business funding more inclusive and accessible.
Supporting Women and Youth Entrepreneurs
According to the British Council’s Country Director, Donna McGowan, empowering women and young entrepreneurs is central to achieving long-term economic growth.
“Women’s economic empowerment is a critical driver of sustainable growth. The shared vision of a more prosperous and peaceful world can only be achieved when women have access to the right opportunities and financial resources to grow their businesses,” — Donna McGowan.
How Nigerians Can Benefit
Entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners can benefit by:
- Connecting with SMEDAN to register their business and access verified funding information.
- Following the British Council Nigeria and SMEDAN online platforms for training programmes, funding updates, and mentorship opportunities.
- Joining partner networks like FATE Foundation, Sterling One Foundation, and Impact Investors Foundation for workshops on investment readiness and business growth.
- Engaging in policy dialogues that shape better financial access for women and youth-led enterprises.
This collaboration marks a step forward in making Nigeria’s business environment more inclusive and sustainable. With stronger partnerships and better financing systems, entrepreneurs — especially women and youths — can turn their ideas into thriving enterprises that power national growth.
