NerdzFactory Empowers MSMEs in Seven States with EU, UNDP Support

NerdzFactory Company has successfully completed the second phase of its Enhancing the Capabilities of Cluster-Based Support for Improved Resilience and Growth Project.

This initiative, supported by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across seven states in Nigeria: Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, and Lagos.

The project provided targeted capacity-building training to over 4,000 MSME owners, equipping them with essential business management skills and financial literacy.

Participants also learned to leverage digital tools such as WhatsApp Business and Google Business Profile to improve their operations and expand market reach.

These skills are crucial in helping small businesses navigate Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape and build long-term resilience.

A key feature of the initiative was the distribution of ₦100,000 grants to 12,496 MSMEs, enabling them to address immediate operational challenges.

The financial support proved impactful, with 95% of beneficiaries reporting enhanced business management skills, and 31% indicating a significant increase in their ability to withstand economic shocks.

The program’s success was amplified through strategic collaborations with local innovation hubs and government agencies.

Notable partners included the CLEEN Foundation, which supported 66 MSMEs, and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), which assisted 49 businesses.

The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) extended support to 188 enterprises, while the MADAFA Women’s Cooperative in Kano State empowered 197.

Project Enable Africa assisted 56 MSMEs, and other hubs collectively supported 834 businesses across various states.

These partnerships ensured the program addressed the unique challenges of different sectors.

Ademulegun Olowojoba, Founding Partner at NerdzFactory, emphasized the initiative’s broader impact.

“This project has highlighted the potential of MSMEs as key drivers of economic growth in Nigeria. By equipping them with practical tools and addressing their core challenges, we are laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive development,” he remarked.

The initiative’s impact is already visible. In Kwara State, agribusiness owners adopted digital tools to expand their market reach, while garment manufacturers in Edo State developed export strategies, enabling them to scale internationally.

These success stories underscore the transformative potential of targeted support and training.

Joyce Oboro, a UNDP representative, highlighted the program’s significance during a visit to Bayelsa State.

“This initiative, funded by the EU, aims to mitigate socio-economic challenges by empowering MSMEs across various sectors. Strengthening these enterprises is critical for building a resilient economy,” she noted.

As NerdzFactory looks to the future, it remains dedicated to empowering Nigeria’s MSMEs. Through continued support, the company aims to foster resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth, contributing to a stronger, more dynamic economy.