Ayoba launches SME Accelerator Programme In Nigeria
. Subscribers to enjoy data-free app
. By Fredrick Wright
Determined to aid the growth of small businesses in Nigeria and beyond, Ayoba in collaboration with Adanian Labs have launched the SME Accelerator Programme 2023 in Nigeria.
The programme is aimed at grooming small businesses to deliver relevant content and unique communication experience to customers and address the key challenges such as limited access to capital, technology infrastructure, access to market and mentorship.
The programme launched in Lagos Monday is currently open for registration and would run for three months. However, the company said subscribers can still enjoy it’s special features by joining the Ayoba app.
Speaking at the official launching of the programme, Head of Ecosystem Financing, Ayoba, Sheila Yabo, said: “We are investing our resources to make sure there is a space for African entrepreneurs to thrive. If you are a small business owner and you are looking to grow, you are qualified for the accelerator programme.
“We are looking for people who have great potential to thrive and make an impact by solving problems through unique products and services. You need to tell us what makes you unique. If you have a business and you know that you are solving a problem, you are the type we are looking for.
“We are intentional about providing a space for entrepreneurs to thrive without having to worry about office space, the accelerator programme will provide you with mentorship, grow capacity, and promote reasonable partnerships for businesses..
Country Head, Adanian Labs, Killian Mayua, said: “What we envisage is more Nigerian SMEs embracing basic technologies, I’m not talking about rocket science, but basic ones that could turn your business around, because things have changed.
“Centuries ago. It used to be trade by barter, but right now it is connecting people via platforms and technologies to help your business initiatives. So why not connect businesses through Ayoba.
“We are giving Nigerian small business opportunity of a one stop shop for at least 90% of their problems, whereby they connect with partners and other businesses.”
He said the SMEs wheel the economy, but they are currently being faced by myriad of challenges that requires immediate solution, hence Ayoba is coming in with a technology that can be leveraged across various sectors.
Head of Business Development, Ayoba Davide Grahim, said the app could be used data-free for MTN subscribers.
“Our users are now close to 30 million monthly and we have seven million active users in Nigeria who can actually interact with businesses data-free even if they don’t have any money on their phone,” he said.
Grahim said the app serves everyone irrespective of size of business, sector or location.
Financial expert, representing SME Banking at Fidelity Bank, Adetola Shojirin, said, the app created a platform for the bank to fund SMEs.
“It allows us as a bank to fund small businesses. We can come into play by providing quick loans. Some businessmen that display their products on Ayoba can be offered loans to expand their businesses. The platform gives Fidelity Bank leverage to help small businesses to grow,” he said.
