NEPC Trains Kano Women Entrepreneurs for Export Markets

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has conducted a training program for women entrepreneurs and business owners in Kano State, Nigeria, focusing on product value addition, standardization, and certification and export preparedness to improve their access to international markets.

Organized by the NEPC Northwest Regional Office, the workshop aimed to provide participants with practical knowledge and essential skills to meet export requirements address challenges in international trade and expand their businesses into overseas markets.

Speaking at the event, NEPC Northwest Regional Coordinator Hajiya Amina Abdulmalik explained that the initiative was intended to engage business owners, assess the challenges they face in developing their products and explore ways to enhance product value, quality and market appeal.

She explained that many entrepreneurs possess production skills but lack the technical knowledge required to enhance their products, meet international standards and access export markets.

Key Highlights:

• NEPC trained Kano women entrepreneurs on export standards and product certification
• NEPC encouraged businesses to overcome export barriers through training and guidance
• ImpactHER urged women entrepreneurs to improve product quality and competitiveness

“Part of the reason why we are here is to listen to you about your businesses, explore ways to add value to your products and identify opportunities for exportation,” Hajiya said.

The workshop was described as a development of the Council's consistent effort to champion non-oil export trade and help Nigeria's economy grow through establishing export-driven businesses.

She said NEPCs have been ongoing and organizing capacity building workshops of various different groups of business owners in various parts of the country to build their capacity and equip them to engage in international trade.

Hajia reiterated the council's resolve to assist the entrepreneurs through training, guides and capacity building exercises to overcome export challenges and export barriers to Nigeria products.

“Our doors are always open. Come to us for guidance, and we will take you through your export journey,” she said.

In her goodwill message, the founder of ImpactHER, an initiative for helping women entrepreneurs, Efe Ukala, represented by Aisha Aminu, urged women entrepreneurs to embrace continuous learning and acquire the skills necessary to improve their businesses, enhance product quality and compete in wider markets.