SMEDAN trains nMSMEs on packaging, branding skills to harness AfCFTA opportunities

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, has commenced a transformative training programme in Lagos State to equip nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises, nMSMEs, with cutting-edge skills in packaging and branding to unlock the vast opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

SMEDAN said in a statement by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Prince Moshood Lawal, that the training is part of its strategic initiatives to build the capacity of Nigerian enterprises, ensuring they are well-positioned to take advantage of AfCFTA’s promise of a single African market with over 1.3 billion consumers.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Tunde Oloyede emphasized the critical role of packaging and branding in creating competitive and export-ready products.

“We are not just training for local excellence, we are preparing Nigerian nMSMEs to become continental brands. With the right packaging and branding strategies, our products can compete favorably across African markets and beyond,” Oloyede said.

The Agency said in its statement that the Lagos training covers practical modules on modern packaging techniques, brand identity development, regulatory compliance, and market positioning.

It said participants include entrepreneurs, startups, cooperatives, and business support organizations from across various sectors including agribusiness, cosmetics, food processing, textiles, and more.

According to SMEDAN, the initiative aims to address longstanding challenges faced by Nigerian products in regional markets, such as poor presentation, weak brand visibility, and non-compliance with international trade standards.

It further stated that the training featured expert-led presentations, live product audits, case studies of successful African brands, and hands-on design labs.

Key topics include: designing packaging that meets AfCFTA export requirements, building culturally resonant and globally appealing brand identities, leveraging e-commerce platforms with effective visual branding, cost-effective sustainable packaging options and scaling the impact nationwide.

Following the Lagos edition, SMEDAN has announced plans to replicate the training in the northern region of Nigeria in the coming weeks, further demonstrating the agency’s commitment to inclusive enterprise development across all geopolitical zones.

According to the statement, the training aligns with Nigeria’s broader trade facilitation strategies under the AfCFTA framework and supports SMEDAN’s mandate to stimulate, monitor, and coordinate the development of the MSME sector.

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