Nigeria’s largest online mall, Konga.com, has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening e-commerce and trade in Africa by partnering with Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives to host and sponsor the first Micro Small & Medium Enterprises Exclusive Fair that will take place from May 2 to 8 2016.
Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Forum of all representatives of various sectoral groups and bodies for micro, small & medium enterprises in the State, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, who unveiled the logo for the maiden MSME Exclusive Fair said: “The State is committed to strengthening enterprise by bringing together and to the fore indigenous brands proudly founded, created and owned by Nigerians and in Nigeria. This is why the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives is organizing the 1st MSME Exclusive Fair to enhance industrial and commercial activities in the State as well as promote economic growth and development.”
In her remark, Mayowa Adebayo, Director of Marketing & Customer Experience, revealed that it was the intention of Konga to empower indigenous entrepreneurs to sell on the Konga Mall. Being the engine of trade and commerce in Africa, the online giant is determined to provide market access to at least 50% of the SMEs currently available in Nigeria.
“We will teach them how to sell, how to promote their products, link them with mentors for guidance, support them using new media to extend their reach as we currently deliver to 36 states in Nigeria. Konga would be equipping them with the right tools to sell more and showcase their indigenous products to the entire world during this fair and thereafter on Konga platform. We would be connecting these entrepreneurs to interested sponsors or financial bodies who will be willing to lend financial support to help them grow their businesses in Nigeria,” she said.
Also present at the event, Akodu Olalekan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, explained that the MSME Exclusive Fair was designed to reiterate the buynaija mentality as it promotes small scale production for economic growth and employment generation for all Nigerians.
“The focus is on indigenous brands owned by Nigerians who use locally sourced materials. The strategic partnership with Konga is to create visibility for MSME products , deepen the market for demand and list exhibitors on Konga. The Fair which will empower local manufacturers and support the Nigerian entrepreneur resident in Lagos is also for MSME linkages with investment opportunities, business development support and networking,” he disclosed.
