Mr Adebola Williams, the President of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce, reiterated the chambers commitment to develop Small and Medium Enterprises and ensure their sustainability and compliance with international standards.

He disclosed this at the press briefing on Monday for the forthcoming 2024 edition of the Africa Foods & Products Exhibition themed “Actualising Sustainable Economic Growth’ – “Think Global, Be Local” which is scheduled to take place in April in Lagos.

Williams, said, “The NACC facilitates bilateral trade between the USA and Nigeria through networking, advocacy, and investments.

“Our focus is on SMEs and micro-enterprises, providing platforms for business connections, profile building, and exploring global opportunities. We emphasise the transformation of Nigerian products into finished goods for export, aiming to maximise revenue.

“The chamber engages with policymakers to address business growth concerns and act as a link between Nigerian and American businesses,” Williams added.

Meanwhile, Mrs Wofai Samuel, the Acting Director-General of NACC, said the platform is one that would enable Nigerian businesses and SMEs across Africa at large to develop partnerships with similar businesses operating across their niches, connect with importers, producers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers.

“The opportunity reinforces Nigeria’s position as the biggest market in Africa and will create new entry paths for emerging products.

“We look forward to the influx of visitors not just in Nigeria, but in other parts of the continent and the success of this edition will re-echo the Chamber’s position as indeed foremost for promoting intra-African trade,” she stressed.

Also speaking, Ayo Stuffman, the Chairman of the African Foods & Products Exhibition Committee, stated that the platform would be a platform for Nigerian businesses, both members and non-members, to showcase their products.

Stuffman said, it will also provide SMEs with insights from established businesses to improve their practices.

He noted, “This underscores the vital role chambers play in economic development. Collaboration among stakeholders like policymakers, industry leaders, and organisations is essential to creating a favourable business environment for growth and economic contribution.”

Mrs Yemisi Ogundipe, the Vice Chairman of the African Foods & Products Exhibition Committee, added that “The theme is apt considering the current situation of the Nigerian economy. The chamber has identified that many businesses are facing challenges, possibly due to government policies and other factors. It is essential to ensure the sustainability of businesses, as they are a crucial component of the economy.”

She mentioned the importance of SMEs thriving, adding that many disappear within five years.

“The NACC aims to make them sustainable and uses the exhibition to inform business owners about the Nigerian economy’s current state and how to achieve gradual, sustainable growth.

“As a chamber, we urge Nigerian business owners to think globally due to foreign investment interests in our economy,” she declared.