By Busola Bamidele
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Global Environment Facility–Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), has committed $50,000 to a new initiative supporting nature-positive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
Launched in Abuja and implemented by the International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA), the project—Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs (SPENM)—will run for nine months and target at least 470 MSMEs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The initiative focuses on empowering eco-friendly businesses, particularly those in farming, fishing, and small-scale processing, through capacity building, market access, and certification readiness. An additional $50,000 in in-kind support has been secured from partners for logistics, coaching, and facilities.
ITFA Trade Ambassador Collins Ezeiruaku said the project aims to build a sustainable framework for non-oil exports and environmental conservation. He emphasized inclusion, with at least 30% of beneficiaries being women, alongside youth, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.
Rose Agbo, UNDP Programme Assistant, highlighted the catalytic nature of the funding, aimed at attracting larger investments and fostering long-term community ownership.
SPENM represents a strategic move toward combining sustainability with economic growth for Nigeria’s MSME sector.
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