The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) was honored with the SME Development Champion Award at the 10th SME Conference, held on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event was organized by Wider Perspectives Limited and themed Harnessing Economic and Investment Opportunities.
This recognition underscores PIND’s long-standing commitment to strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as a pathway to sustainable economic development in the Niger Delta.
A Decade and a Half of Driving Enterprise Growth
The conference offered a platform to showcase PIND’s impact over the past fifteen years in building a resilient and inclusive business ecosystem. Through its Market Systems Development (MSD) and Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) initiatives, PIND has empowered thousands of farmers, MSMEs, and youth across the region.
Key impacts of PIND’s Enterprise Development Work:
- Over $59 million invested to unlock sectoral growth and opportunity.
- More than 15 million farmers, MSMEs, and youth supported with vital skills and knowledge
- Strengthened input-output market linkages to boost productivity and competitiveness
- Enabled over 590,000 farmers and MSMEs—including women-led businesses—to generate more than ₦132 billion in additional income.
- Catalyzed the creation of over 116,000 full-time equivalent jobs
These achievements reflect PIND’s evidence-based approach to building inclusive markets and advancing long-term prosperity across the Niger Delta.A Commitment to Inclusive Innovation
Accepting the award on behalf of PIND’s Executive Director, Mrs. Faith Emmanuel-Soya, PIND’s Market Systems Development Manager, reaffirmed PIND’s commitment to breaking structural barriers to innovation and entrepreneurship: “This award is a testament to PIND’s steadfast resolve to build inclusive economies in the Niger Delta. We will continue to implement market-driven interventions that strengthen local enterprise ecosystems, foster sustainable partnerships, and promote shared prosperity.”
Advancing Gender-Inclusive Enterprise Development
At the heart of PIND’s programs is a commitment to gender equity and social inclusion. Through tailored support services, training, and mentoring, PIND equips women, youth, and persons with disabilities to succeed as entrepreneurs and business leaders. This approach not only improves livelihoods but also fosters resilience and intergenerational empowerment.
Scaling Impact Through Strategic Partnerships
This award also reflects the strength of PIND’s strength in building partnerships with local actors, donor agencies, development partners, and the private sector. These collaborations enable the co-creation of sustainable solutions that unlock new opportunities for enterprises across the region.
Looking ahead, PIND remains committed to supporting youth- and women-led businesses, strengthening local market systems, and driving inclusive economic growth in the Niger Delta.
Learn more about our impact: www.pindfoundation.org
