Wema Bank has successfully trained and empowered over 40 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through its groundbreaking Wema Export Trade Academy, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economic growth and global trade participation.
The academy provided Nigerian SMEs with critical skills, resources, and knowledge to navigate the complexities of international trade. The initiative, hosted in Lagos, reaffirmed Wema Bank’s commitment to supporting local businesses and opening global markets for Nigerian enterprises.
Key Highlights of the Export Trade Academy
- Expert-Led Training Sessions:
- The five-day program was led by renowned industry experts, including:
- Dr. Bamidele Ayemibo: Known as the “Export Doctor” and a leader in international trade education across Africa.
- Dr. Nduka Udeh: Founder of Shoptomydoor.com, specializing in global logistics and procurement.
- Topics covered included export documentation, compliance, financial strategies, risk management, and understanding global market demands.
- The five-day program was led by renowned industry experts, including:
- Comprehensive Learning Outcomes:
- Participants learned about the export process, financial requirements, and identifying international buyers.
- Real-world insights and sustainable practices were emphasized, equipping SMEs to succeed in the export space.
- Many participants discovered ways to refine their existing export strategies for improved efficiency and profitability.
Empowering SMEs for Global Success
Dr. Bamidele Ayemibo highlighted the academy’s role in helping SMEs improve their practices for sustainable growth. “The goal is to assist those already exporting to do it better and help new exporters enter the market more sustainably,” he said.
Wema Bank’s Division Head of Operations, General Services, and BPR, Mr. Tajudeen Bakare, emphasized the bank’s ongoing support beyond training. He noted, “We are equipping these SMEs with the resources—both financial and skills—they need to grow their businesses. It’s a partnership, not just training.”
Wema Bank’s Commitment to SME Growth
Wema Bank is dedicated to providing SMEs with:
- Tailored financial support to scale operations.
- Advisory services for strategic growth.
- Connections to global networks and buyers.
The institution’s efforts are designed to help SMEs secure funding, streamline export processes, and expand their reach in international markets.
Participant Success Stories
One of the attendees, Mr. Dele Badejo, an importer transitioning to export, praised the program as transformative. “The scarcity of dollars has motivated me to explore export opportunities. This academy has opened my eyes to the potential of export beyond crude oil, highlighting how it can create value chains and employment. I commend Wema Bank for this initiative,” he shared.
Future Plans for the Wema Export Trade Academy
As the first cohort concludes, Wema Bank aims to expand future sessions to be more inclusive and accessible across Nigeria. The bank’s vision includes:
- Broader training opportunities for SMEs nationwide.
- Long-term support to ensure sustained success in the global trade landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Wema Export Trade Academy has empowered over 40 SMEs with essential tools for export success.
- The initiative is part of Wema Bank’s broader commitment to boosting Nigeria’s economy through global trade.
- Plans are underway to make the program more inclusive, offering greater support to SMEs across Nigeria.
