The Niger Delta region is home to a diverse range of resilient Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) spanning agriculture, manufacturing, services, and technology. These businesses form the backbone of our local economy, providing jobs, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development.
Recognizing the crucial role MSMEs play in the economic fabric of the region, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) is dedicated to empowering these enterprises. PIND’s initiatives focus on enhancing the capacities of MSMEs through training, access to finance, and market linkages, enabling them to thrive and contribute more effectively to the regional economy.
This dedication was showcased during the commemoration of the recent World MSME Day, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises and NGO Trade Group of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (PHCCIMA) with the theme, “MSMEs: The Future of Rivers State.” The event served as an opportunity for PIND to showcase its achievements in transforming the economic landscape and making the Niger Delta a hub of entrepreneurial activity and sustainable development.
Representing PIND at the summit, Mr. Tuoyo Omagbetise Blessing, Market Systems Development Advisor, reaffirmed PIND’s commitment to fostering the growth of MSMEs in the region through economic diversification and inclusive growth. He commended the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture for its effective efforts in fostering economic development in Rivers State, particularly in enhancing the competitiveness of small enterprises. Tuoyo emphasized the need for continued partnerships and support to sustain growth and inclusivity in the state.
Reflecting on the World MSME Day theme, “Building a Stronger Future Together,” Mrs. Edughom I. Hanson, Chairman of the SME & NGO Trade Group at PHCCIMA, highlighted the need for robust support and favorable government policies to help these enterprises grow. Emphasizing the crucial role of the 39,963 MSMEs in Rivers State’s economic future, she noted that MSMEs are vital for local economic development and achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals, urging stakeholders to prioritize MSME development to drive innovation, creativity, and job creation in Rivers State.
In the past 15 years, PIND has reached over 989,825 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers with information on best practices and technological innovation. We have also increased the income of MSMEs by about 72.3 billion naira and influenced market actors’ investment of over 68.2 billion naira. By improving their knowledge, attitudes, and practices, we have facilitated the increased productivity of at least 503,563 women, men, and youth in the region.
World MSME Day, celebrated on June 27th annually, recognizes the crucial role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in global economic development. PIND stands with the rest of the world in commemorating the day and continues to strengthen its support for SMEs in the Niger Delta region.
To learn more about our achievements in fostering growth and development for MSMEs in the region, visit our 2023 annual report: https://pindfoundation.org/pind-2023-annual-report/
