Steps Toward Investment-led Strategy In U.S-Africa Relations
The Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, Ambassador Troy Fitrell and U.S. Ambassador to Cote D'Ivoire, Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba reviewed commercial diplomacy trip to West Africa and outlined the State Department’s new commercial diplomacy strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Senior Bureau Official Troy Fitrell’s Commercial Diplomacy Trip to West Africa
Digital Press Briefing
The Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, Ambassador Troy Fitrell and U.S. Ambassador to Cote D'Ivoire, Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba. Ambassador Fitrell reviewed his commercial diplomacy trip to West Africa and outlined the State Department’s new commercial diplomacy strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa.
You can find the full transcript of the briefing here:
Studio Visit with Yifat Bezalel
Oyiza Adaba stops by artist Yifat Bezalel’s studio in Manhattan during her residency program in New York.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
Oyiza Adaba visits artist from Israel Yifat Bezalel, at her Manhattan studio during her residency program in New York. The soft-spoken Bezalel is trained as a classical and academic artist, and over the years she has established her unique technique. In her work process she superimposes semi transparent pencil layers of figurative and realistic images creating surreal realms. Her works have often been described as having an ethereal quality to them.
Yifat Bezalel, a classically trained artist with her unique technique of superimposing semi transparent pencil layers. (Photo: Africa-Related)
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
PHOTOS: THE DAILY NEWS BUILDING, New York
Oyiza Adaba captures a glimpse of the ground floor of the historic Daily News Building in midtown Manhattan.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
The Daily News Building, also known as The News Building, is a skyscraper at 220 East 42nd Street in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The original building was designed by architects Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells in the Art Deco style, and was erected between 1928 and 1930.Wikipedia. Oyiza Adaba captures a glimpse of the ground floor of the historic Daily News Building in midtown Manhattan.
FACTSHEET
Address: 220 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Floors: 36
Architects: Raymond Hood, John Mead Howells
Height: 476′
Opened: July 23, 1930
Source: Wikipedia
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
Inside CONSUMER REPORTS America
How well are you protected as a consumer, given the vast array of products we consume everyday? In this special report, Oyiza Adaba, examines Consumer Reports America, an 87 year-old non-profit institution that has been championing consumer rights - from food to flying cars.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
How well are you protected as a consumer, given the vast array of products you consume everyday? In this special report, Oyiza Adaba, examines Consumer Reports America, an 87 year-old non-profit institution that has been championing consumer rights - from food to flying cars.
Copies of yearly consumer reports by over an 87-year period. (Photo: Africa-Related)
Yonkers, New York is approximately 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. It is the hometown of Denzel Washington and Consumer Reports, an 87-year old independent non-profit organization in the United States that has a long history of working to advance truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace. With its independent, evidence-based research and testing, Consumer Reports empowers and informs consumers, incentivizes corporations to act responsibly, and helps policymakers prioritize the rights and interests of consumers in order to shape a consumer-driven marketplace.
This exclusive opportunity was for Foreign Press members to be briefed by Marta L. Tellado, President & CEO, Consumer Reports, and discussed consumer behaviors and how Consumer Reports informs consumer decisions. Ms. Tellado who has led America’s foremost consumer organization since 2014 and also explained how Consumer Reports is working to ensure a consumer-first approach to AI and the advocacy programs that help consumers can feel transparency, accuracy, and fairness
Other briefers were Lilian Kayizzi, Vice President of Research, Testing and Insights, Consumer Reports, who explained the depth of research by the organization. Jake Fisher, a Senior Director, Auto Test Center, gave insights to the Connecticut Testing 327-acre site, which is the largest independent automotive test site devoted to consumer interests.
The Briefers
The TOUR
Visiting journalists got an opportunity to tour CR’s consumer product and service testing center that houses over 60 state-of-the-art labs with over 130 researchers, scientists, engineers, and testing experts. In the coming fiscal year, CR expects to spend more than $30 million to test, rate, and review 9,000+ products and services. The tour included the following stops:
Auto Demonstration: A first-hand look at what drivers can and cannot see behind the wheel in some of America's most popular SUVs and trucks. Being 5.1, I proved the perfect candidate for this demo
Robotic Vacuum Lab: How well robotic vacuums perform at simple tasks like cleaning carpets and floors, and the data the machines collect about your home.
Rec Lab: Bike helmets are supposed to protect your head, but we'll show you how not all are created equal. Plus, experience the CR-invented machine that tests how long treadmills are supposed to last.
Inside the Rec Lab at Consumer Reports with the testing team. (Photo by Africa-Related)
My colleagues and I spent some time quizzing the team at the video doorbell lab where CR uncovered that popular video doorbells could be hacked by a young child.
In an era where fake products have flooded global trade, the agency continues to operate alongside global counterparts across various exchange platforms to ensure uniformity of vision.. The question now is, how does your country's consumer protection agency function? Do they live up to their name and objective of 'protecting the consumer'?
Video Report: By Africa-Related
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
RELATED STORIES: Consumer Reports Part II: Rec Lab Team - A Candid Conversation
NYWIFT - Photos From First In-Person Gathering in 2024
JANUARY 22, 2024
Members of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), an advocacy and support organization for equality in the moving image industry, recently met at Tito Murphy's NYC, for a “Night Out” of cocktails, networking and laughs.
Members of the New York Women In Film & Television (NYWIFT) Night Out at Tito Murphy's NYC. Photo by Africa-Related
BY Oyiza Adaba, New York
JANUARY 22, 2024
Members of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), an advocacy and support organization for equality in the moving image industry, recently met at Tito Murphy's NYC, for a “Night Out” of cocktails, networking and laughs.
Jamire Bell & Toni Israel of REALEMN Productions
Membership is open to this incredible, vibrant, supportive community, with a discounted offer for new applications. Download it here and email to membership@nywift.org to get started.
New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) advocates for equality in the moving image industry and supports women in every stage of their careers. As the preeminent entertainment industry association for women in New York, NYWIFT energizes women by illuminating their achievements, presenting training and professional development programs, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing access to a supportive community of peers.
Photos by @africarelated
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Where Should Africa Turn? BOOKINGS Publishes Foresight Africa 2024
The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. will launch its 2024 “Foresight Africa” report on January 26, 2024. The report contains top priorities and recommendations for Africa on where Africa should turn its attention in the year ahead.
Foresight Africa 2024. Photo courtesy of Bookings
BY Oyiza Adaba, New York
The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. will launch its 2024 “Foresight Africa” report on January 26, 2024 during a hybrid event. The report contains top priorities and recommendations for Africa on where Africa should turn its attention in the year ahead.
In this latest edition, experts offer their insights on key policy issues, including development finance, climate change, gender, entrepreneurship, governance, and more.
Foresight Africa is an annual report that captures top regional priorities for the year ahead published by The Brookings Institution, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.. Their mission to conduct in-depth, nonpartisan research to improve policy and governance at local, national, and global levels.
Download this year's chapters here and register to watch the launch event on January 26.
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TEDx OKENE 2022: IT'S 2 DAYS TO GO!
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms. Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
Rosemary Onubaiye | Africa-Related
“We want a changed mindset, one geared towards positivity.”
It's 2 days to go!
Don't miss #TEDxOkene 2022 this Saturday in Okene and online on Saturday September 3, 2022.
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
This year, the organisers are working towards a ‘changed mindset’ in individuals and communities. By pairing young mentees with inspiring mentors, they hope to better keep track of projects in development .
The event will be graced by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM. Alh. (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, alongside royal fathers and mothers. Past speakers like Hamza Lawal of Connected Development CODE, will be back as a guest
Check out more scenes from TEDXOkene 2021
MEET THE 2022 SPEAKERS
Africa-Related is a media content production house
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US VISAS: State Department Gives Post-Pandemic Update
The US State Department briefed journalists on recent measures taken to combat post-pandemic visa backlog at consular posts overseas. Some of the measures include the global visa approach, whereby applicants can apply for U.S visas anywhere in the world.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Applicants can apply anywhere in the world where there’s an appointment available.”
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie Stufft provided an update to members of the foreign press on the current status of visa processing and services at the U.S Consular sections overseas. The pandemic, no doubt impacted the world’s travel
“Right now the wait time for routine visa appointments at half of our overseas posts is less than four months and at some posts is actually far, far shorter than that.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
She however stressed that the State department is viewing the visa workload globally, and that Consular posts worldwide are experiencing a faster recovery than initially expected. She highlighted some of the measures taken to meet visa demands and reduce the backlog. They include:
Waiving in-person interviews;
Upgraded Staffing and ‘doubled consular hiring’;
Remote/Virtual Adjudication processes leading to more visa adjudications ‘this year than in the past six years’;
Expedited visa appointment for business travel, urgent humanitarian or medical travel;
Increased number of visas to Temporary Workers (including agricultural workers) and Student categories;
Global Visa approach where applicants can apply in any U.S consulate, and not necessarily in their country of origin.
“… if an applicant is in a country with a long wait time, that applicant go to another post… and this has really been successful for thousands of visa applicants this year.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
What has been your post-pandemic experience at the U.S Consulate in your country?
See transcript here
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FOREIGN AID IN AFRICA: Did It Work?
Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Prof. Bill Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga,and Ms. Tanaka Chiimba discuss The Impact of Foreign Aid in Africa
By Africa-Related New York
Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Prof. Bill Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga and Ms. Tanaka Chiimba discuss The Impact of Foreign Aid in Africa. (Screeshot from: Wheeler Institute)
The Wheeler Institute for Business & Development and the London Business School organized a 10-week open access course titled, African History through the Lens of Economics. This plenary session on the 10th week hosted Prof. William (Bill) Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The plenary session, which examined The Impact of Foreign Aid was moderated by Tanaka Chiimba, a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company in South Africa.
- Did foreign Aid work in Africa
- Africa's approach to Aid
- Governance of Aid in Africa
- China in Africa
The 10-week course was attended by over 50,000 participants with over 28,000 certification awarded. The initiative is the brainchild of the main teaching faculty made up of Elias Papaioannou, Leonard Wantchekon, Nathan Nunn and Stelios Michalopoulos. The ideas and lessons from such programs can no doubt germinate into seeds of change for Africa.
If you missed it, you can still take the classes at your leisure. All course materials and lectures are free and can be found here:
Background on Speakers
Bill Easterly, Professor of Economics at New York University and Director of its Development Research Institute, is a leading scholar and authority on foreign aid and development. His books 'The Tyranny of Experts', 'The White Man’s Burden', and 'The Elusive Quest for Growth' have had a profound impact on policy making and our thinking on these issues.
Celestin Monga, Visiting Professor of Public Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Former Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Africa Development Bank Group, has done important research and policy work across the continent.
Mo Ibrahim has been one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs, whose business journey continues to inspire millions of Africans. Through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, he and his team have focused their philanthropic work stressing the importance and promoting good governance and leadership.
Tanaka Chiimba is a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company in South Africa and a graduate of Sloan Fellow of London Business School (2019)
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CAPTAIN VICTOR EGONU: Over n Out
In life Captain Victor Obiora Egonu was quite vocal, his death and funeral proves nothing different.
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: Lilian Ajayi | Africa-Related
Lagos, Nigeria
1959-2022
In life, Captain Victor Obiora Egonu was quite vocal, his death and funeral has proved nothing different.
Love him or not, it was just a matter of understanding. Captain Victor Egonu’s straightforwardness worked as both a quality and flaw, opening many doors and slamming quite a few in his face. His front was brash, truthful sometimes bordering on rude, yet it usually came from a place of his genuine love for and seeming frustration in humanity.
What he lacked in his physical frame, he very well made up for with his unforgettable personality. His demand for excellence and notable quick temperament often stood out, but as with the ‘misunderstood’, much laid beneath the surface. Most would agree he lived up to the full meaning of Egonu - someone who does go by what others say.
As eloquently delivered by friends, colleagues and family gathered during his funeral on July 7, 2022, Egonu couldn't have been any more Nigerian, than he displayed in life and death.
He somewhat symbolizes a Nigeria of time-past, when ethnicity and religion played little-to-no roles. An Igbo man from a mixed British/Nigeria heritage, he traveled the world achieving many firsts with his love of flying including being the first to fly the Boeing triple 7 to Nigeria. Since graduating from the School of Aviation in Zaria in 1981 and becoming a captain in 1992, Egonu had mentored and shaped a generation of pilots.
"Zaria trained some of the best pilots in the world… go to Emirates, Saudi Air everywhere you will find a Nigerian pilot and they were all trained there way back. So, I am very proud of my Zaria.”
- Victor Egonu - Source
It was flying that took him to many places, including Jos. And in typical Victor fashion, he didn't move alone. His friends are multi-ethnic, race, creed, class etc, and without question everyone fits right in J-town.
He gave friends (myself included) our first flight cockpit experience, so it was no wonder his funeral felt like a flight tour around the world, backed by stories and experiences by those closest to him. Beside magnificent renditions of the Alleluia and Amazing Grace by the choir, the message behind his music playlist was not lost. Bob Marley’s ‘War’ and ‘Rally Round’ by Steel Pulse further drilled in more truths.
Discover JOS - the home of Peace and Tourism (NTDC/Tour Nigeria)
Memorable accounts from Port Harcourt, Lagos, Peckham, Chicago, Abuja, London, Lusaka, Warri, Bristol and on. We laughed, cried, reminsed, and began to think… as he would have liked us to. Egonu always taught one to think, to stand and as our friend and brother Tonye Wilcox always said to 'do somethin'.
Pertinent questions like, 'What has happened to Nigeria? How can the melting-pot once known as Jos - where Dipo, Chijoke, Ali, Dotun etc converged with no political intentions or questions asked - now be divided across indigenous, religious and ethnic lines. What kind of country are we leaving for?
We were also forced to think about the state of Nigeria's aviation industry - one which undoubtedly would have achieved bigger milestones had Nigeria operated on meritocracy. As the aviation minister that he never was, Capt. Victor Egonu would have set and achieved high standards in making Nigeria compete with continental aviation giants Despite global challenges, he had great ideas for travel and tourism, having traveled the length and breadth of the 200-million populated country, as an avid biker.
"If you look at Kenya Airways, South African Airways, they are all doing well. Why can’t Nigeria have an airline that all of us can actually say ‘oh, we are proud of this airline’. Of course we used to have one in the past but that was back then.”
- Victor Egonu - (2015 Interview Source)
His biography reading took us through a list of defunct airlines, some long-forgotten. Name it, he had worked there during his nearly 30 years. from Okada, Kabo, ADC, Chachangi, IRS, Medview, Bellview etc. His last boss was the Chairman of Air Peace Chief Alllen Onyeama, admitted that they often clashed from the same frustrations borne from operating an airline in Nigeria. As Director of Flight Operations, he had relentlessly taken the airline to greater heights since joining in 2011.
Air Peace meanwhile, continues to come to Nigeria's aviation rescue, in the absence of a national carrier for decades. What started out as Nigeria Airways was established in 1958, and ceased operations in 2003. Since then, several unsuccessful attempts at rebranding has seen name changes from Virgin Nigeria Airways, Nigerian Eagle Airlines, Air Nigeria. According to Simple Flying, the much anticipated launch of Nigeria Air originally scheduled for April 2022 has been postponed by another year.
Despite delays, ministry insists on July take-off date for Nigeria Air
The Guardian Nigeria
Victor Egonu's death on June 9, 2022 came as a major loss, not just to the global aviation industry. In her glowing tribute, his wife Dayo Egonu spoke candidly about the anxieties of being a pilot's wife and celebrated her husband's great milestones and the unapologetic adroitness he brought to ensuring air travel safety. Standing alongside their surviving 12-year old son Tonye, reminded us that Victor Egonu was one of the best pilots Nigeria forgot to honour and thank.
‘Plane Cemetery’ at Lagos airport (Photos by Africa-Related)
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
RELATED
Aviation Expert Reviews Nigeria Airline Challenges (TVC News)
Nigeria gets licence for national air carrier, delays start of operations (Premium Times)
Discover JOS - the home of Peace and Tourism (NTDC/Tour Nigeria)
U.S AFRICA BUSINESS SUMMIT 2022
The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is a premier event organised by the Corporate Council on Africa
By Africa-Related New York
On July 19-22, 2022, the city of Marrakesh in the Kingdom of Morocco will play host to the annual summt that brings governments and business leaders together.
The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is a premier event organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. It brings together African Heads of State, senior US Government and African officials, CEOs and senior U.S. and African private sector executives and heads of international financing institutions.
The objective is to connect governments and private sector decision makers over the course of four days and to deliver the insights to move business relations forward.
Online registration has closed, however you can still purchase your Summit tickets starting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at the venue Palais des Congrès Boulevard Mohamed VI Marrakech, Morocco.
For more information or questions, email Summit@corporatecouncilonafrica.com.
Follow the event program online on the CCA website.
HOUSTON - GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
HOUSTON
GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
Houston aerial view: Photo by Vlad BusuiocWords: Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related/Vlad Busuioc
Houston, Texas
Mayor Sylvester Turner's office announced on Friday that the city of Houston will be leading a delegation to Paris from June 27-July 2, as part of its preliminary mission in combating the environmental impact of the global energy industry..
Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs City of Houston
Bob Harvey President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership
Speaking to the Foreign Press, the President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, Bob Harvey outlined the objectives and commitments of Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HEDI) which was launched last year. The coalition of 18 key global energy stakeholders will begin the steps toward this transition process, which is expected to lower the world's carbon footprint to net zero by 2050. Their strategy, which leverages on the oil and gas leadership to accelerate these global solutions, will focus on four working sectors - carbon capture, use & storage; clean energy & hydrogen development; industrial decarbonisation, and funding or capital formation.
Known as the energy capital of the world, Houson is strategic for many reasons. It is home to the renowned Texas Medical Center with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Johnson Space Center, 25 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, the Port of Houston which is the largest port in the US, over 1,700 foreign-owned firms and a large foreign born population.
"Houston is the only city in the world frankly, with the technology expertise, the commercial skills, the manufacturing talent, the infrastructure, to lead the transition to a more sustainable, open future on a global scale"
-Bob Harvey
Mayor Sylvester Turner who also heads the U.S Climate Network acknowledged the benefits of this initiative to the city's institutions and residents, and said much of Houston's success is built on private public partnership. He was represented by Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs, who used the opportunity to commend the 'robust' African Diaspora residents in Houston and their contribution to politics, culture and the economy. He called on the Nigerian Government to establish a much-needed Consulate in the city for what he described as 'one of the largest Nigerian populations outside of Nigeria'.
HEDI to some may be an acknowledgement to decades of environmental degradation caused by the industry's practices like burning of fossil fuel. To others, it could be a start in the industry's effort to right some of its past wrongs, as seen in places like Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The burden of delivering environmental justice, clean energy and development to communities especially those most impacted, however shouldn't be on Houston alone. In Harvey's words,
"…There's simply no way we're going to move forward globally, with trillions of dollars of investment to support the energy transition, without it being inclusive, and being very mindful of both current and past inequities, and how this program is going to speak to them.
- Bob Harvey
HEDI estimates about 560,000 new jobs by 2050, if properly implemented. If HEDI were to make a dent of an impact, it would need partnerships and commitments from global Governments, corporations and communities to adopt their framework, in order to credibly achieve its objectives of clean energy production and environment.
"If we do nothing but follow the path of the traditional energy industry, Houston will likely shed half 1,500,000 jobs by 2050.
- Bob Harvey
Learn more about HEDI and the City of Houston
Oyiza Adaba is Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated
WOMEN ENTERPRISE ITA'I FEATURES WEAVING AT 1st TEDx OKENE 2021
HAND-WOVEN social enterprise, ITA'I - OUR CLOTH showcased their collection of Ebira woven Cloth at the first ever TEDx Okene on January 30, 2021
By Rosemary Onubaiye
Photos: David Araga/Africa-Related
Photo: David Araga/Africa-Related (2021)
ITA'I - OUR CLOTH is an exclusive HAND-WOVEN social enterprise rooted in Okene, with operations in Lagos, Nigeria and New York City recently showcased its collection at the first ever TEDx Okene.
Founded in 2019, this global brand with a home-felt impact is dedicated to bringing a modern approach to preserving, presenting and promoting Africa’s cultural heritage through the woven cloth; and in line with the seven of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
The vision at Ita’i is to make Ita'i a global brand with a home-felt impact, and it goes about it by encouraging community development and women empowerment through existing resources such as weaving.
PHOTOS
What can you do?
DESIGN + PARTNER + BUY + DONATE
@itaiourcloth www.itaiourcloth.com
SHOP: online or call
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Builder's Hub Impact Investment Program - Creativity & Collaboration
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE DAY SEMINAR FOR ENTREPRENEURS.
OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE DAY SEMINAR FOR ENTREPRENEURS.
THEME: CREATIVITY and COLLABORATION:
Key for Successful Entrepreneurship Growth in Nigeria’s Ecosystem.
VENUE: ABUJA ENTERPRICE AGENCY
DATE: JAN 19, 2017 @ 10:00am.
We herein appreciate all participating agencies and participants. The success of this seminar could not have been possible without your immense contributions to this seminar.
This communiqué has been compiled using a feedback questionnaire of start-up and existing enterprises whose participation was upon a carefully selected nationwide application process aimed at forging an interaction amongst stakeholders in the Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The general overview and concerns captured below are based solely on the information provided by the participating government agencies and institutions duly represented.
Abuja Enterprises Agency
All participants (private and public) were appreciative of AEA’s generosity in hosting the event free of charge. Mr. Chudi Ezerigwe explained the functions the agency proffered to MSMEs particularly those situated in the Federal Capital Territory while extending reassuring words of encouragement to every enterprise. However,
1. 90% of the participants residing in Abuja herad about AEA for the first time. More effective presence needed especially at the Micro levels.
2. 70% wanted AEA to liaise with SMEDAN on regional and state engagements for more impact
3. More information and continuous information will be needed about AEA on radios and in local dialects. This is because most MSMEs are located in the outskirts of town and where print media isn’t as available and effect as their radio stations.
SMEDAN
That Dr. Friday Okpara of SMEDAN spoke quite interestingly on the established responsibilities of the agency as it relates relevantly to the growth of Small and Medium enterprises but 80% noted that;
1. SMEDAN is not an effective one-stop-shop able to cater to their start up and business scaling needs. Meaning that, they are further referred to other agencies for e g funding, certification etc. 100% wanted more effectiveness at regional levels.
2. SMEDAN should incorporate Micro businesses in their schedule of activities
3. SMEDAN is too important to be too distant from the grassroot enterprises. Regional and state offices must be more effective.
4. SMEDAN should liaise better with all other agencies and collate all MSME offers for easy dissemination.
5. More sensitization for start-ups and existing entrepreneurs needed nation-wide.
CAC
That Hajiya Hafsat Denge of Sokoto CAC brought to light good initiatives CAC implemented to ease the means of ‘new business registration; however 72% of the participants were of the view that;
1. 10,000 naira for Business name and Company registration is still too expensive for Mirco and Small businesses.
2. Fee waivers for other corporate filings and certifications should be considered for the Micro and Small businesses.
3. To embark on impactful awareness programs to inform the general public about the various rates of the agency’s services and general procedures; the absence of which leaves room for fraudsters.
Growth and Employment
Participants were extremely impressed with the Project Coordinator, Mr. Y.S. Labaran’s lectures on GEM grant and capacity building initiatives but 100% think that:
1. With the high percentage of start-ups in Nigeria, GEM should broaden their acceptance criteria to include start-ups. The 6 months and 5 staff workforce minimum requirement is too stringent.
2. That there should be more awareness created on the GEM program nationwide. 3. As GEM rounds up operations in a year, are there follow up plans?.
Nigeria Export Promotion Council
Director, Barrister George Enyiekpon’s thorough briefing of NEPC role and incentives towards promoting export of Nigerian made goods was highly appreciated by all participating enterprises. However, 90% opined that:
1. NEPC should conduct more grassroot awareness, as lessons on export preparedness need to be learned from the early stages of business.
2. NPEC should aggressively promote the acceptability of Nigerian made goods in foreign lands. Exhibitions and adverts would go a long way.
3. Hands-on capacity building programs must run frequently and regionally for better understanding on product quality, packaging etc necessary for the international markets.
4. NEPC should form strategic alliances with foreign countries and organizations geared towards promoting trade from African countries such as AGOA, Fairtrade, CBI etc and make such information available to the Mirco and Small businesses at the grassroots level.
Bank of Industry
Mr. Tolulope Toluwase of BOI’s presentation was very informative and easy to digest by 100% of the participants. However;
1. The “single digit” 9% interest rate was not feasible for Micro and Small businesses. On the average, participants opted for 3% as an acceptable interest rate.
2. In line with the current high number of start-ups, BOI should consider conducting more business management workshops nationwide possibly in each state on a continuous basis.
3. Cash and tools/ workshop financing packages should consider start-ups.
4. BOI should interact more with SMEDAN and other capacity building service providers.
National Board for Technology Incubation
The impressive presentation of the DG, Dr. Jibrin was appreciated by all participants. However;
1. 100% of participants were not aware of NBTI’s existence. This is a huge problem.
2. That NBTI should be more present in the lives of businesses at ALL levels by establishing business Incubation centres in each state and specialized Incubation centres regionally.
3. A lot of sensitization of NBTI’s functions should be aired on electronic media especially radio in local dialect for grassroot reach out.
4. To liaise more with SMEDAN and other private and public service providers.
Standard Organisation of Nigeria
Mrs. Usoso Uduak gave an enlightening overview of SON’s function and certification support activities. All Participants were greatly impressed with the responsive initiatives set anew by the DG Mr. Osita Aboloma, however;
1. 90% of the participants were not aware of the incentives such as reduced certification rate, 50% waiver of laboratory fees etc. More awareness needed.
2. SON should create a booklet of Nigerian own standards serving her unique products such as palm wine, canned pepper soup, Kunu shakes, natural herbs etc.
3. 95% were worried about the certification bureaucracies setting Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia as examples for an easier product certification serving export markets.
4. 100% asked for greater awareness at state levels since that’s where most Micro and Small businesses reside.
5. SON should liaise better with NEPC and NAFDAC to avoid process duplication.
6. Micro business and corporative should have special services. They are the most vulnerable.
7. Training seminars and workshops should be frequently conducted around Nigeria.
8. Mores responsive to start-ups and better feedback to the general public is needed frequently.
NAFDAC
Participating entrepreneurs appreciated the information shared with them by Mr. Bashir, but;
1. 100% are of the opinion that a dedicated MSME section should be created as they make up more than 70% of the business population.
2. Certification requirements are not realistic for Micro and Small businesses. N10,500 inspection fee, 21,000 laboratory test per product, 21,000 certificate issuance fee etc is too expensive.
3. The demand for modern equipment to be used for the production of indigenous local products is worrisome. To capture the essence and flavour of tradition, hygienic old methods must be permitted.
4. NAFDAC should consider relying on SON’s product laboratory test where applicable to avoid double dipping of costs.
5. There should be real time grassroot interactions between Micro and Small enterprises and NAFDAC.
6. Liaise with SMEDAN, NBTI, NOA and other relevant agencies.
7. Effective awareness creating seminars and capacity building workshops are needed nationwide and very often. Use electronic media to educate the public in local dialects.
BHIIP
There was tremendous applause to BHIIP for its efforts in conducting such an engaging and interactive seminar which brought together under one roof, many regulatory agencies, business support institutions and enterprises of all facets to learn and brainstorm on how to strengthen through creativity and collaboration, the Nigerian’s ecosystem.
1. That BHIIP should ensure follow up with all regulatory agencies to ensure their concerns are adequately captured and implemented for the overall success of businesses in Nigeria.
2. BHIIP should conduct more of such seminars not only in awareness creation but also capacity building.
3. The free seminar encouraged participation of financially struggling start-ups. This free education must be encouraged nationwide for an effective grass root impact.
4. That BHIIP should serve as a bridge in forging a healthier entrepreneurial ecosystem with special input from the Mirco and Small businesses to promote effective bottom-top holistic framework in relation to funding, standards, knowledge and market.
5. There was an overwhelming agreement on the suggestion that BHIIP should be a private liaison body between the enterprises and the government agencies and business supporting institutions. Here, information regarding all manners of funding options, certifications, trainings and seminars would be obtained under one roof. This shall also be a channel where real-time service and need feedback shall be disseminated.
BHIIP’S IMPLEMENTATIONS
We acknowledge that positive impact cannot happen in isolation, it requires a collective action of all the stakeholders working together in harmony. Therefore, in line with the aforementioned observations and concerns, BHIIP shall establish an Enterprise Builder Hub, which shall serve as a network where entrepreneurs connect with systems and programs to critically think, communicate, create and collaborate their businesses into success.
Enterprise Builders Hub shall be an innovation lab, business incubator, and market generator for Nigerian made goods and services. To this, we shall encourage membership from start-ups and existing entrepreneurs to effectively benefit from our unique ecosystem of resources, inspiration and collaboration opportunities amongst themselves and agency stakeholders.
BHIIP is already in partnership with SMEDAN, being the foremost government body promoting enterprise growth. We are in the process of finalizing a partnership with AEA and will require to partner with all other agencies and institutions relevant to catalysing impact in the entrepreneurs ecosystem.
We at BHIIP believe that a better world evolves through the combined accomplishments of committed and compassionate people focused on a common vision – to promote entrepreneurial development and industrialization of our country Nigeria.
Signed By Participants
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Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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