Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has underscored President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the nation’s economic growth. Shettima made these remarks during his visit to exhibition stands at the BRICS Trade Fair in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Shettima stated, “It is a known fact that the empowerment of the MSMEs is key to empowering our youth and women, towards contributing to the nation’s economic development.”
Highlighting President Tinubu’s dedication to MSME empowerment, Shettima emphasized, “The President is a very compassionate leader and in the coming months, there will be changes in the fortunes of Nigeria.”
Discussing the positive economic impact of thriving MSMEs, Shettima emphasized, “This will have positive impacts which will enable them to support their families and add value to the nation.”
The Vice President commended the organizers of the trade fair, which featured approximately 180 exhibitors from various sectors. He stressed the long-term potential of the exhibitions to stimulate investment and trade across the continent.
Shettima expressed his admiration for the investments made by Nigerians in South Africa, particularly highlighting their presence in the digital economy, fashion, and mining sectors. He lauded Nigerian investment outfit Rose Bank for its N40 billion cassava project, emphasizing its transformative potential for the cassava value chain.
The BRICS Trade Fair is organized by the BRIC South Africa and The SA BRICS Business Council (SABBC), in collaboration with the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, coinciding with the ongoing 15th BRICS Summit. The exhibition serves as a platform for showcasing products and services from BRICS countries, fostering business-to-business interactions to enhance intra-BRICS trade and investments.
The Vice President was joined at the Trade Fair by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Muhammad Haruna Manta, the Consul-General, Amb. Andrew Idi, and other senior government officials.
