NBCC graduates 167 entrepreneurs as MSME skills drive gains

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) graduated 167 women and youth entrepreneurs under the third cohort of its Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (WYEDI), reflecting growing private-sector efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) amid a challenging business environment.

The graduates, drawn from vocational and technology-focused training tracks, completed programmes in areas including fashion design, shoemaking, photography, digital marketing, web development, data analysis and hydroponic farming.

The graduation ceremony was held alongside the Chamber’s 2026 MSME Tax Engagement Session.

Prince Abimbola Olashore, president and chairman of council of the NBCC, said the initiative was aimed at equipping women and young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities needed to support economic growth.

“Empowering women and young people is not merely a social responsibility; it is an economic imperative,” Olashore said in his address.

“Nations thrive when their citizens are equipped with practical skills, entrepreneurial capabilities, and access to opportunities that enable them to create value and improve livelihoods.”

Nigeria’s MSMEs account for a significant share of employment and economic activity, but many businesses continue to grapple with financing constraints, infrastructure gaps and regulatory challenges.

Olashore said the ability of entrepreneurs to innovate, adapt and build sustainable ventures had become increasingly important as the economy evolves.

He added that understanding taxation and regulatory compliance was critical for business sustainability and long-term growth.

The Chamber said the latest cohort began with 250 participants, with 167 successfully completing the programme.

According to Adeola Azeez, chairperson of the NBCC MSME and Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative Committee, the programme has expanded steadily since its launch in 2024.

The inaugural cohort attracted more than 1,750 applications, admitting 125 participants and graduating 108, while the second cohort received over 2,000 applications, graduating 140 participants from 190 admissions.

“With the graduation of Cohort 3, the NBCC-WYEDI has now empowered and graduated over 400 entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, creating a growing network of innovators, business owners and change-makers who are contributing meaningfully to economic growth, job creation and community development across Nigeria,” Azeez said.

She said the initiative goes beyond skills acquisition by providing mentorship, business development workshops, financial literacy training, access-to-finance engagements and pitch competitions designed to prepare participants for long-term business success.

“The future of Nigeria’s economy rests significantly on the strength of its MSMEs,” Azeez said.

“By empowering women and youth with relevant skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and access to opportunities, we are building a more inclusive, prosperous and resilient economy.”

At the event, three participants received cash prizes sponsored by Union Bank to support their business development efforts.

Alese Iyiola, a make-up and artistry entrepreneur, won N400,000, while photographer Ohun Qudus Olabanji received N600,000. The top prize of N1 million was awarded to shoemaker Sapara Adewale Osazuwa.

The Chamber said it would continue investing in programmes that promote entrepreneurship, innovation and economic collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while creating pathways for sustainable economic development.