By Emmanuel Kwapyil, Jos
The German Development Agency (GIZ) and implementation partner GOPA Worldwide have trained 47 business coaches in Plateau State under the 2.0 Inspire, Create, Start, Scale, (ICSS), programme designed to strengthen Nigeria’s MSME sector that comprises 95% of the nation’s businesses.
Peik Bruhns, GOPA Worldwide Team Lead, framed the initiative’s importance: “When small businesses struggle, the entire economy becomes fragile. Our intervention creates an ecosystem where MSMEs can access previously unavailable growth opportunities.”
Manbyen Daki, Business Development Service Expert for GOPA/GIZ in Plateau State, detailed the new model: “Unlike previous approaches that left entrepreneurs unsupported, ICSS 2.0 provides stage-specific training. We’ve integrated circular economy principles so businesses grow sustainably while repurposing waste.”
The four modules target distinct needs:
- Inspire: Guides job seekers exploring entrepreneurship
- Create: Helps refine business ideas into viable models
- Start: Provides operational structure for new businesses
- Scale: Supports expansion-ready enterprises”.
John Iyoha, a GOPA facilitation expert, addressed Nigeria’s gaps: “We’re seeing businesses fail not from lack of funds, but knowledge. This training ensures when financing comes, entrepreneurs use it effectively.”
A visually impaired participant, Awashima Atu, who is the Gender and Social Inclusion Officer at Kaneng Rwang Pam Foundation, shared: “I have gained innovative facilitation methods that will transform how I support women/PWD entrepreneurs. These skills are immediately applicable.”
The Plateau State workshop marks the first in a series of planned capacity-building initiatives across Nigeria’s MSME development ecosystem.
This same project is implemented across six states in the country, Plateau, Niger, Ogun, Edo, Lagos and the FCT Abuja.
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