SME Accelerator Programme Launched in Nigeria

Nosa Alekhuogie

Ayoba, Africa’s communication platform that supports Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) growth, has been launched in Nigeria, with a call for application from SMEs with innovative and impactful business ideas to participate in its three months mentorship programme.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos on Monday, Head, Business Development at Ayoba, Mr. David Graham, said the essence of the Ayoba SME Accelerator launch in Nigeria, was to create a platform for SMEs to develop their business ideas and grow with them, through collaboration. “The platform provides access to the right tools and funding for SMEs businesses. The platform is open to all SMEs with impactful ideas that are scalable and can address challenges and can create opportunities for growth. SMEs with impactful ideas are eligible to apply, and the selected ones will undergo three months mentorship programme that will help them develop their ideas and make the ideas commercially viable. The platform also offers SMEs the opportunity to launch their products and solutions on the Ayoba platform, using the Ayoba app,” Graham said.

Head, Ecosystem Development at Ayoba, Sheila Yabo, said the Ayoba app was developed specifically for African businesses, to help them grow and scale up. “The app is designed to showcase the African content and support African small businesses to grow. Collaboration from industry stakeholders is key to make great impact on businesses and we are open to collaboration from partners to further drive the initiative,” Yabo said.

Head, SME Banking at Fidelity Bank, Mr. Adetola Sojirin, one of the panelists during the launch of Ayoba Accelerator Programme in Nigeria, said he was pleased with the initiative, which according to him, is in line with the vision of Fidelity bank in supporting SME growth in Nigeria through its different packages targeted at supporting SME business in Nigeria. 

Country Head, Adanian Labs Nigeria, Mr. Killian Mayua, said as a pan African business developer, Adanian labs would be partnering Ayoba to further drive the initiative. “We are in the fourth industrial revolution and we need African businesses to be part of the revolution and that is what the Ayoba SME Accelerator Programme is offering Nigerians and the rest of Africa, to grow their businesses digitally and connect to more customers. For a business to be successful, such business will need a team of talented people and the Ayoba platform offers access to grow talented teams that will drive business growth,” Mayua said.