Nigeria: Boosting SMEs Capacity Via ICT

Lagos — Small and Medium Enterprises which are found in every sector of any economy play a vital role as engines through which developing countries thrive.

They form the major components of any economy worldwide, and Nigeria can achieve more rapid economic growth through such medium. It is not the size of the business in a society that matters, but its impact. In Nigeria today 65-70% of its businesses are under small and medium enterprise.

In this Nigerian economy filled with challenges, competition and undulating customer tendencies, SME's create a niche for individuals to grow and flourish.

SMEs have been globally acknowledged as instruments for achieving economic growth and development as well as employment creation.

An army of about 50 million SMEs creating about 500 million jobs between 1980 and 2012 led the Chinese economic miracle. However, against international best practices Nigeria is rated poorly as far as this sector is concerned.

The potential already exists with about 17million registered SMEs, but industry analysts have stressed the need for government to create enabling environment for SMEs to thrive.

The experts also identified technology adoption in this segment of the economy to boost capacities and enhance productivity.

Technology has made it possible to do business in a much smarter yet cost efficient manner than was ever imagined. SMEs productivity and capacity can be best achieved via Mobile services, the Internet, smarter devices and the Cloud which make for a much more empowered growing businesses.

Addressing the technological needs of SMEs could be reflected in ways by which telecommunications operators designed various solutions specifically target at small enterprise.

Leading in the forefront of SMEs oriented products is MTN Nigeria with an array of solutions to help deliver the bests out of start-ups in the country through unit tagged MTN business.

The service provider introduced MTN MyOffice as SME-focused ICT solutions designed to enhance the way SMEs work and collaborate.

The suite includes: Closed user group voice services, devices bundled with mobile broadband, Internet Fixed broadband, Internet with free modems, MTN Desktop as a Service, MTN Conference Call and MTN WebPlus.

Other Services are a host of SME-targeted services which are to be delivered on the MTN MyOffice platform in the near future Web/Email HostingDomain Name RegistrationWeb Design/Development.

The telco also initiated some partnerships aimed at encouraging SMEs in benefiting from such solutions.

MTN Business last year signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to provide business solutions to 35 million SMEDAN-recognised members.

This collaboration made it possible for SMEs registered with SMEDAN to access an online platform that offers access to market and visibility for their business offerings.

It has also made it possible for utilised MTN's broad range of SME-specific technology solutions, as well as discounts on select MTN SME services.

The General Manger, Enterprise Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said, "we understand what it takes to grow and sustain a business, we provide growing business solutions designed to meet their unique requirements, helping them to become bigger and better."

Also, the 'Y'ello Biz' initiative was MTN's collaboration with Mansard on an insurance scheme for SMEsto provide the necessary affordable insurance solutions that needed to run their businesses with peace of mind.

The service allowed interested SMEs to subscribe with N300 for a week in order to enjoy N1m ($5000) mansard insurance cover for their businesses.

Reports indicate that the insurance package covers registered SMEs against fire, flood and other risks. Also, the Y'ello Biz can be bundled with voice, data and SMS services, as it is from the stable of the MTN Y'ello Cover; a suite of insurance services offered by MTN to its network subscribers.

Sales & Distributions Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr Tsola Barrow, said, "At MTN Business, we believe that the SMEs are the anchor of local economies and, as a critical agent for national economic development, we believe in enabling not only big businesses but also small businesses."

Source: Allafrica.com