SEDIN supports implementation partners in improving the employment and income situation of the MSME. The programme cooperates with partners at the federal, state, and local levels. It has been concentrating its field work in the federal states of Edo, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, and Plateau in various value chains. Co-financing by the European Union since October 2018 allows the programme to expand to the federal states of Oyo, Abia, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi to selected value chains. SEDIN supports the capacity development of people and organisations by providing training to MSMEs, young people, returning migrants and other target groups. Also, the specific needs of women are considered in all fields of action.
With the additional implementation of the “Returning to New Opportunities” programme in Lagos and Edo since 2019 migrants are added as an additional focus group. Implementation partners such as cooperatives and business development service providers are supported to improve their services. Furthermore, SEDIN facilitates linkages between stakeholders and public-private sector dialogues for improving the business environment.
SEDIN promotes MSME development, this is done by promoting the economic and financial education and developing the entrepreneurial capacity of (potential) MSME owners, farmers, women, and the youth. To further promote MSME development, SEDIN cooperates with stakeholders to create an enabling business environment in several areas. The programme aids local markets, public-private dialogue forums, and local administrative units to strengthen Local Economic Development (LED). SEDIN supports the plastic recycling, cosmetics, e-commerce/ICT, cassava processing, soy processing, poultry processing, chilli, tomatoes, ginger, leather, and garment value chains.
SEDIN promotes access to finance and MSME development. The programme works with the Central Bank of Nigeria and financial service providers to increase sustainable access to demand-oriented financial services for MSMEs and the low-income population. This is implemented by developing the capacity of cooperatives on the supply side, creating linkages to financial service providers, and the financial education of MSME owners, farmers, women, and the youth on the demand side.