Government Urges Increased Investment In SME Training For African Economic Growth

Government Urges Increased Investment In SME Training For African Economic Growth....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Federal Government has urged African nations to invest more in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) training to enhance trade standardization and bolster the continent’s economy. This call came during the 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation in Abuja, themed “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century – Building a Quality Culture – One Market, One Standard.”

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, emphasized the pivotal role of education and technical standards in advancing intra-African trade. She highlighted the importance of adhering to global Quality Infrastructure standards for sustainable development, innovation, and export-oriented manufacturing.

Anite underscored the necessity for policymakers to grasp evolving technologies like artificial intelligence and stressed the imperative of equipping African youth with skills essential for SME innovation, crucial for Africa’s industrial and integration goals under the AfCFTA.

She reaffirmed the government’s support for ARSO’s mission, aligning with the AfCFTA to reduce trade barriers and potentially increase intra-African trade by up to USD 35 billion annually.

Director General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Ifeanyi Okeke, echoed commitment to fostering a quality culture through standardization, vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing Africa’s industrial competitiveness.

President of ARSO, Alexander Dodoo, urged African nations to leverage trade standards to transform Africa’s economic landscape and create meaningful jobs to prevent youth migration, emphasizing the importance of adopting African solutions for African challenges.