Covid-19: MTN to support Nigeria’s SMEs with ‘The Revv Programme’

In line with the digital economy drive of the Federal Government as espoused in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which is closely linked to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as an avenue for the diversification of the economy, MTN Nigeria has launched ‘The Revv Programme’ to mitigate against the effects of Covid-19 on SMEs.

The Revv Programme seeks to address major macro level issues specifically in the areas of re-igniting the economy and driving digital inclusion for SMEs.

Adopting a four-pronged approach that includes masterclasses, access to market, productivity tools support and advisory initiatives, The Revv Programme seeks to help SMEs relearn, rethink and retool their businesses for growth in the emerging digital economy.

Isa Patanmi, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said for the implementation of the digital economy initiative of the government to succeed, there must be a collective responsibility for all stakeholders in both public and private sector.

“I am glad that MTN has been supportive of this policy and is organising The Revv Programme, which I believe will go a long way in transforming Nigerian entrepreneurs, most especially those in the Micro and Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector,” said Patanmi at the virtual launch of the programme.

Ferdi Moolman, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, said the initiative seeks to provide support to SMEs as they continue to lead Nigeria’s growth.

“We believe that at this time when many businesses are at their most vulnerable and with a rapidly changing business environment, it is important that alongside the Federal Government, other businesses strongly position themselves to support SMEs as a foundation to the growth of a stronger economy going into 2021 and beyond,” said Moolman.

According to him, MTN has always spearheaded programmes to uplift small and medium businesses in Nigeria. “The Revv Programme is our way of standing with SMEs in their journey to rise through these challenging times. We are positive this will assist them with the digital skill sets necessary to continue to thrive,” Moolman stated.

Adeniyi Adebayo, minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said there was a nexus between his ministry’s efforts in developing the MSME space and MTN’s The Revv Programme.

Working with relevant stakeholders, subject-matter experts and the company’s executives, the programme will support over 10,000 SMEs beginning with masterclasses for digital literacy, business management and execution abilities necessary to accelerate the growth of their businesses.

The masterclasses which will be delivered by MTN executives along with industry experts will focus on various core areas of business management, as part of a broader strategy to uplift small businesses.