Dangote Intensifies Support for MSMEs in Nigeria to Boost Economic Growth

Dangote Industries Limited has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to MSME development in Nigeria through strategic partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders. This commitment, according to the company, is part of a broader economic empowerment strategy aimed at scaling up small businesses, promoting agriculture, and fostering industrialization across the country.

Speaking during the Dangote Special Day at the 2025 Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition in Lafia, the Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, emphasized the critical role of small businesses in Nigeria’s economic future. Represented by Hon. Dr. Shuaibu Abdullahi, the company’s National Assembly Liaison Lead, she revealed that the group is actively collaborating with the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, to strengthen the MSME ecosystem.

Dangote and BoI Establish N5 Billion Fund for MSMEs

Highlighting one of the group’s key initiatives, Wali-Abdurrahman announced that the Aliko Dangote Foundation, in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI), had launched a N5 billion fund dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises across Nigeria.

“This initiative is designed to create over one million direct jobs by financing entrepreneurs in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the merchandising of locally made products,” she stated.

The funding arrangement, which is already in motion, targets a broad range of small business operators. These include cassava processors, aluminium fabricators, poultry farmers, calabash carvers, cattle rearers, market traders, and various artisan cooperatives.

• Dangote Intensifies Support for MSMEs in Nigeria to Boost Economic Growth
• https://crediblenews.com.ng/jamb-reviews-2025-utme-results-amid-public-out/

This financial support underscores Dangote support for MSMEs in Nigeria, especially those involved in value chain production and local enterprise.

Electrification, Training, and Agricultural Extension Services

Further elaborating on the company’s contributions, Wali-Abdurrahman cited the electrification of Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) as an example of Dangote’s infrastructural support for small-scale industries.

She also highlighted Dangote Fertiliser Limited’s role in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The company has launched an extensive farmer training programme that aims to equip over one million Nigerian farmers with modern and sustainable farming practices.

“This initiative features Spot Demonstrations, Field Demonstrations, Result Demonstrations, and Soil Sample Collection services. The goal is to enhance crop yields and promote responsible fertiliser use through science-backed education,” she explained.

Through this agricultural extension service, farmers are being empowered to adopt best practices, increase their productivity, and improve food security—an essential pillar for MSME development in Nigeria.

MSME-Centric Trade Fair Sponsorship

Dangote Industries has continued to demonstrate its commitment to small business promotion through sponsorships of major trade fairs. The ongoing 2025 Nasarawa Trade Fair, hosted by NASSI, is one of many such initiatives.

According to Wali-Abdurrahman, these trade fairs provide vital platforms for micro, small, and medium enterprises to:

• Showcase products

• Connect with potential investors and partners

• Access new local and regional markets

“By supporting events like this, Dangote Industries is promoting a thriving small business culture and encouraging inclusive economic development,” she affirmed.

Public and Private Sector Urged to Prioritize MSMEs

Wali-Abdurrahman issued a clarion call to both government agencies and corporate stakeholders, urging them to prioritize small businesses as a core component of Nigeria’s industrialization efforts.

“We are partnering with NASSI and NACCIMA to advocate for policies that empower MSMEs. This is crucial for job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable industrial growth in Nigeria,” she said.

Dangote Strategic Business Units Championing MSME Growth

Several key companies under the Dangote umbrella actively participated in the Nasarawa Trade Fair to reinforce the group’s position as a strong ally of MSMEs. These include:

• Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL)

• Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN)

• Dangote SinoTruck

• Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR)

• Dangote Salt (NASCON)

• Dangote Cement Plc

Each unit showcased products and initiatives that contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and local production, aligning with the national goal of self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

With targeted investments, training, and partnerships, Dangote Industries’ support for MSMEs in Nigeria is not only bridging funding gaps but also unlocking opportunities for sustainable development. The company’s involvement in trade fairs, agricultural training, and SME electrification projects reflects a holistic strategy designed to transform small businesses into engines of national growth.

As Nigeria pushes forward in its quest for inclusive industrialization, Dangote’s model offers a replicable framework that other corporate entities can follow to accelerate MSME development in Nigeria.

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