The International Trade Facilitation Association (ITFA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has unveiled a Digital Nature Directory aimed at improving market access, increasing production capacity, and connecting Nigerian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to export opportunities.
The initiative, launched under the UNDP/GEF-SGP Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs (SPENM) project, is expected to register and connect more than 400 businesses to domestic and international markets through a digital platform that provides a comprehensive inventory of nature-positive enterprises.
Speaking at the unveiling, ITFA Trade Ambassador, Collins Ezeiruaku, described the partnership with UNDP as a major milestone in promoting sustainable business development and unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s natural resources.
He said the initiative would strengthen value chains by supporting community-based producers to process and export their products while creating access to finance, markets and investment opportunities.
According to him, the SPENM project seeks to build local capacity, improve market access and prepare eco-conscious businesses for international trade by promoting environmental compliance and sustainability standards.
“The project is designed to move Nigerian MSMEs beyond dependence on grants by equipping them with the tools and market access needed to compete globally,” he said.
Ezeiruaku explained that the Digital Nature Directory would serve as a bridge linking investors, producers, exporters, development partners, non-governmental organisations, farmers and the media through a reliable database that enhances collaboration across the business ecosystem.
He added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive, noting that ITFA is working closely with international organisations, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other government agencies.
According to him, the association has also facilitated the registration of more than 30 businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), helping them formalise their operations and improve access to business opportunities.
Also speaking, ITFA Media Strategist, Okiemute Olori, stressed the critical role of the media in promoting the objectives of the project and encouraging more Nigerians to participate.
Olori said the digital directory would enable businesses to connect more easily with buyers, investors and development partners while fostering trust and confidence among operators through cluster-based networking and innovation.
In her remarks, the National Coordinator of the UNDP GEF-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), Dr Ibironke Olubamise, expressed delight over the collaboration with ITFA, describing the project as a strategic intervention to empower Nigerian entrepreneurs and rural communities.
She said the initiative has already supported nearly 600 Nigerian enterprises in transitioning from donor-dependent ventures to sustainable, market-ready businesses through training, capacity building and improved market linkages.
Olubamise noted that the programme is creating a multiplier effect by promoting inclusive economic growth, supporting rural livelihoods and strengthening nature-positive enterprises across the country.
The event featured the official unveiling of the Digital Nature Directory portal and the presentation of the platform’s access code to prospective Nigerian users, marking another milestone in efforts to enhance sustainable trade and export competitiveness for Nigerian MSMEs.
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