The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) is partnering with Zamkah Technologies to help small business owners develop strategies for competing in international markets.

The initiative will focus on strengthening domestic production, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting economic growth by equipping small and medium-scale enterprises with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to compete globally.

NASSI National President, Chief Solomon Daniel Vongfa, disclosed the plans while speaking with journalists ahead of the association’s 35th National Convention, scheduled for December 1, 2026, in Abuja.

Vongfa said the convention would bring entrepreneurs together to exchange ideas, explore business opportunities and build partnerships that could strengthen Nigeria’s economy. He explained that participants would have opportunities to identify areas for collaboration, improve their business operations and develop sustainable models that reduce dependence on government support.

He described small businesses as vital to economic development, adding that improving entrepreneurs’ productivity and helping them expand their operations would strengthen the domestic economy.

The convention will also offer opportunities for capacity development through training programmes, workshops and business seminars. Vongfa said NASSI would continue to advocate policies that improve the business environment, particularly in financing, production and market access.

“As an organisation with the key function of advocating government policies that make it easier to run a small business in Nigeria, the convention would explore possible avenues for business models that suit businesses and make them competitive,” Vongfa said.

He identified access to finance as crucial to the survival and growth of small-scale enterprises. According to him, NASSI will continue to seek ways to connect members with funding institutions and support programmes.

The association also aims to improve entrepreneurs’ access to loans, grants and other financial opportunities through partnerships with relevant institutions, including the Bank of Industry.

Vongfa highlighted trade fairs and exhibitions as important parts of the association’s activities, noting that they help showcase locally manufactured products, connect producers with buyers and open up market opportunities.

He said NASSI’s programmes support the government’s stated objective of increasing local production and encouraging the consumption of Nigerian-made goods both within the country and abroad.

According to Vongfa, sustainable economic growth requires deliberate investment in domestic production, better product quality and improved access to finance. He added that funding alone would not be enough, as business owners also need the right mindset, technical knowledge and managerial skills to build competitive enterprises.

He said Nigeria could turn its economic potential into tangible development by strengthening local industries and ensuring small businesses receive the support they need to grow.

“We are determined to see that Nigeria remains not only the giant of Africa on paper but in reality. For us to truly merit it, we must double our efforts on domestic production, the quality of products and also ensure that entrepreneurs have access to financing and are mentally equipped,” he said.

Established in 1978, NASSI is a non-profit organisation that supports and promotes micro, small and medium-scale enterprises across Nigeria. Through advocacy, business development initiatives and partnerships, it works to improve the operating environment for small businesses and increase their contribution to national economic growth.

The December convention is expected to give stakeholders another opportunity to discuss practical ways to strengthen Nigerian enterprises, improve local manufacturing and position homegrown brands to compete in global markets.

Source: Radio Nigeria South South