The USAID-funded e-Trade Alliance, in collaboration with Alerzo, Nigeria’s technology service provider,  and  Mastercard, has completed a 9-month digital transformation programme, which empowered over 10,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across South-West Nigeria.

According to a statement from Alerzo, the initiative aimed to tackle challenges faced by MSMEs, including complex supply chains, manual inventory management, and limited access to financial services.

The Chief Executive Officer of Alerzo Limited, Adewale Opaleye, said, “As a leading player in Nigeria’s informal retail sector, Alerzo is committed not only to building digital solutions but also to ensuring MSMEs have the digital skills needed to transform their businesses.

“We’re delighted to have collaborated with Mastercard, USAID, and the e-Trade Alliance for this project, as it reflects our dedication to connecting MSMEs in Nigeria to a world where digital connectivity is integrated into their businesses, making them more sustainable and profitable.”

Through solutions like Alerzoshop, a digital B2B marketplace, and Veedez, a digital payment and business management tool, the program equipped business owners with essential tools to thrive in the digital economy.

The collaboration also featured digital literacy training with hands-on sessions, helping MSMEs leverage technology to enhance efficiency and achieve sustainable growth.

Despite Nigeria’s progress in digital adoption, MSMEs in the informal sector continue to face financial literacy gaps and rely on traditional processes. This programme offers practical solutions to streamline operations and access innovative financing options.

The Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard, Folasade Femi-Lawal, added, “Efforts like this collaboration with Alerzo and the e-Trade Alliance can unlock immense possibilities for local economies and communities.

“Digital tools give small businesses some of the resources needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. They help provide the payment choices their customers want while helping to manage their operations more efficiently.”

The digital literacy training sessions were held in key locations across South-West Nigeria, including Ibadan, Sagamu, and Abeokuta. These sessions equipped business owners with the knowledge to navigate the digital economy.

Participants were introduced to Alerzoshop, a mobile app that enhances access to suppliers and facilitates secure, efficient, and seamless digital payments via Mastercard’s global network.

“They also learned to use Veedez, a digital payment and business management tool that offers micro-lending services for vital financial support.

Senior Manager at Nextrade Group, the implementing partner for the e-Trade Alliance, Michael Poor, said: “This public-private sector collaboration underscores our dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth through digital transformation.

“By combining our expertise in skills development for e-commerce, inclusive trade, and access to finance, we aim to support Nigerian MSMEs in overcoming the challenges they face in the digital economy.

“Together with Alerzo and Mastercard, we are committed to empowering small businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed and to power more inclusive, sustainable growth in Nigeria.”