The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has taken a major step toward empowering entrepreneurs by launching a mini solar grid to power its Garment and Fashion Hub in Idu, Abuja. This event also included the opening of a Makerspace, providing creative business owners with essential tools and resources.
The event, held yesterday at SMEDAN’s headquarters, witnessed the attendance of key stakeholders, including the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, the Minister for Youth Development, Ayo Wisdom, the MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu; and members of the National Assembly, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator Joel Onowakpo, Senator Ede Dafinone, and Senator Philip Agbese.
With the installation of a 120 KVA solar power system provided by UNDP, the Garment and Fashion Hub now has a reliable and constant electricity supply, ensuring smooth operations for fashion entrepreneurs using the facility. During the event, a fashion designer who has utilized the hub shared her experience of how she was able to empower 280 fashion designers to mass produce 37,000 medical scrubs. This initiative not only helped meet urgent medical needs but also provided a stable source of income for the fashion designers.
Alongside the solar-powered Garment Hub, SMEDAN and UNDP also introduced Makerspace designed to support small business owners by giving them access to advanced tools, mentorship, and business support. This initiative reflects SMEDAN’s commitment to encouraging creativity and sustainable business growth in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii emphasized the agency’s mission to create opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to thrive. “Our partnership with UNDP is a game-changer. By bringing renewable energy solutions and creating an environment where entrepreneurs can innovate and grow, we are laying the groundwork for long-term success,” he said.
The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMEDAN and UNDP, strengthening their collaboration to advance entrepreneurship and sustainability for small businesses across Nigeria.
This initiative is expected to create jobs, boost small businesses, and serve as a model for future projects aimed at making Nigerian entrepreneurs more competitive. With this bold step, SMEDAN and UNDP reaffirm their dedication to building a thriving and inclusive business environment for the country’s small business owners.
