Abba Bello, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), recently announced that the bank is preparing to onboard its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients onto the African Trade Gateway (ATG). This initiative aims to broaden market access, enhance payment infrastructures, and boost intra-African trade activities for these businesses.
The announcement was made during the Abuja edition of the SME Export Finance Sensitization Forum (EXCEL Programme), a collaborative event organized by NEXIM Bank and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development (SEDIN) Programme.
Bello emphasized that this step aligns with NEXIM’s strategic efforts to equip Nigerian MSMEs for competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He underscored that unlocking Nigeria’s non-oil export potential hinges significantly on improving access to both markets and financing.
“We are on the verge of integrating our SME clients into the African Trade Gateway platform to facilitate better market reach, streamline payment processes, and deepen trade relations across Africa,” Bello explained.
He further elaborated that the EXCEL Programme was designed to tackle persistent obstacles faced by Nigerian MSMEs, such as limited financial access, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory challenges that have historically restricted their export capabilities. The programme adopts a digitally driven, structured approach combining capacity-building, advisory services, and customized financial products to support export-ready MSME clusters nationwide.
“Through the EXCEL Programme, we aim to identify and nurture MSME clusters ready for export by providing focused training and bespoke financing solutions, empowering them to scale operations and compete on the global stage,” Bello stated.
Highlighting the critical role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, Bello noted that over 41 million MSMEs constitute nearly 97% of registered businesses, contribute 48% to the nation’s GDP, and employ more than 87% of the workforce. Despite their significance, over half of these enterprises face substantial funding shortages that impede their growth and export readiness.
“While export financing is a global catalyst for economic expansion, Nigeria’s export sector currently accounts for just about 7.64% of GDP, revealing a vast untapped opportunity within our MSME export landscape,” he added.
The NEXIM chief also highlighted the bank’s suite of financial and digital tools, including the SME Export Facility (SMEEF), Women and Youth Export Facility (WAYEF), and the NEXA digital platform. These resources are designed to provide MSMEs with access to export finance, trade intelligence, and financial management capabilities.
Commending the partnership with GIZ, Bello remarked that their collaboration is rooted in a mutual commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and enhancing private sector resilience.
“Our alliance with GIZ reflects shared principles and a dedication to building a robust and competitive export ecosystem,” he affirmed.
Representing GIZ Nigeria, Dr. Didier Djoumessi praised NEXIM Bank’s leadership in advancing non-oil exports and boosting MSME competitiveness. He described the sensitization forum as a tangible expression of both organizations’ dedication to equipping small businesses with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in international markets.
“Under Abba Bello’s guidance, NEXIM Bank has been a pivotal force in promoting Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda. GIZ Nigeria is proud to support this vital initiative and collaborate closely with NEXIM to expand opportunities for MSMEs,” Djoumessi stated.
He revealed that the sensitization campaign will extend to Edo, Plateau, and Lagos States in the upcoming weeks, targeting MSME clusters in key economic hubs.
Djoumessi explained that the SEDIN Programme, which underpins GIZ’s partnership with NEXIM, focuses on five pillars: Access to Finance, Access to Markets, Business Enabling Environment, Infrastructure, and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. These components collectively aim to foster decent employment and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
“By combining financial support, capacity development, and market access, Nigerian MSMEs are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and beyond,” he noted.
With over fifty years of presence in Nigeria on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ remains steadfast in its mission to promote inclusive economic progress through partnerships that empower local industries and entrepreneurs.
Djoumessi encouraged attendees to actively engage in the forum, leveraging the financing options, digital platforms, and policy frameworks introduced to expand their reach into regional and global markets.
“Together, initiatives like this can cultivate an inclusive, export-ready MSME sector that significantly contributes to Nigeria’s economic diversification and sustainable growth,” he concluded.
Through the launch of the African Trade Gateway and the EXCEL Programme, NEXIM and GIZ reaffirm their dedication to fostering a competitive, inclusive, and export-driven SME ecosystem that will drive Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.
