The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has disclosed its partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to mobilise the sum of $50m to support Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria.
The Managing Director, NEXIM, Abubakar Bello announced at the inauguration of Women and Youth Export Development Fund on Tuesday in Abuja that the $50m Project Preparation Fund for Nigeria was for the provision of technical assistance to bankable SMEs, especially those promoted by women and youths.
READ ALSO: FAO, WFP Warn Nigeria, Others Against Impeding Acute Hunger
According to him, the fund was part of activities mapped out by both financial institutions to commemorate the 2021 International Women’s Day which was celebrated globally on March 8.
The bank had supported many export-oriented industries that were high employers of women and youth such as firms involved the production of cashew, shea, hibiscus, ginger, etc. NEXIM bank boss is therefore optimistic that the project would increase women and youth participation in the global agro-export market.
Bello noted that the fund would provide more financial support for women and youth owned businesses operating in the various aspects of the export value chain under a more dedicated arrangement.
He said, “WAYEF, however, seeks to do more by supporting women/youth owned businesses operating in the various aspects of the export value chain under a more dedicated and focused arrangement.
“In Africa and developing countries, discrimination against women has been an age long cultural practice.
“This underscores the need for us to redouble our efforts towards addressing such cultural practices and other obnoxious beliefs that have imposed limitations on the female gender.”
While commenting on the development, the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, said poverty was the deadly disease afflicting women and youths, particularly in rural areas, adding that the initiative by the banks was welcomed.
