Today we attended the Enterprise Development Centre’s (EDC) Market Access Nigeria event hosted in collaboration with 9mobile.
Market Access is a platform that brings together small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies to network, build relationships, and create opportunities.
Market Access 2017 panelists responding to audience questions
Mr. Eke Ubiji, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, was the keynote speaker. He spoke about the challenges affecting sustainable access to markets for SMEs in Nigeria but also spoke about the opportunities available for sustainable access to market such as: a large population of over 190 million people, lower prices of high-quality local goods, and availability of natural resources.
Once again, the “Made in Nigeria” message was clear.
Our Managing Director Niniola Soleye spoke on the panel from the social enterprise perspective. She touched on the importance of partnership and collaboration, which is one of DRASA’s core values. She also spoke on the importance of understanding your target audience/customer and tailoring your product or service to suit their needs, solve their problems, and maximize your impact.
DRASA’s MD Niniola Soleye speaking at Market Access 2017
Additional speakers included:
- Mr. Seye Bassir, Investment Director, IFU Denmark
- Mr. Oyebode Omotoye, Deputy Manager, Access Bank
- Mr. John Ebi, Director, Bridgegap Consults
- Mr. Stephen Amodu, Head of Risk, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund
It was great to see so many proudly Nigerian businesses taking on the challenge of doing business in Nigeria and using their products and services to solve problems and improve quality of life.
