MTN Nigeria and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have intensified efforts to support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the expansion of the mySMEville digital platform, with an ambitious target of reaching five million businesses across the country. The initiative is designed to address critical challenges facing small businesses, including limited access to finance, infrastructure, market opportunities and business development support.
The platform represents a strategic public-private partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and accelerating economic growth through technology-enabled solutions. Stakeholders say the initiative is expected to play a significant role in reducing the barriers that have historically limited the growth potential of small businesses, which remain a major contributor to the nation’s economy.
Nigeria is home to nearly 40 million MSMEs, a sector that contributes about 48 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Despite their importance, many of these businesses continue to face challenges accessing formal financing and critical business resources needed for expansion. Industry estimates place the country’s MSME financing gap at approximately $158 billion annually, highlighting the scale of the challenge confronting entrepreneurs.
The mySMEville platform was developed to help bridge this gap by providing entrepreneurs with a single digital ecosystem where they can access business information, funding opportunities, infrastructure support and market connections. Since its launch, the platform has witnessed steady growth, expanding from a pilot programme involving about 200 businesses in late 2025 to more than 2,600 registered users nationwide.
Officials involved in the initiative say the long-term vision is to transform mySMEville into a comprehensive business support hub capable of serving millions of enterprises. Through the platform, entrepreneurs can connect with financial institutions, explore digital tools, access business intelligence and discover opportunities that can help improve productivity and competitiveness.
Speaking on the initiative, MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to supporting enterprise growth through technology-driven solutions. The company noted that digital innovation remains one of the most effective ways to empower businesses, particularly in emerging markets where entrepreneurs often struggle with limited access to resources and support services.
SMEDAN also described the partnership as a major step toward strengthening the country’s small business ecosystem. According to the agency, collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to unlocking the full potential of Nigerian entrepreneurs and creating sustainable economic opportunities across the country.
A key feature of the platform is its ability to aggregate multiple services into a single interface. Users can access funding opportunities, e-commerce solutions, digital infrastructure services and business support resources without navigating multiple systems. This integrated approach is intended to reduce fragmentation within the MSME support ecosystem and make it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain the tools they need to grow.
Beyond financing, the platform also focuses on capacity building. Entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from training programmes, digital skills development initiatives and business management resources aimed at improving operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. Similar MTN-supported SME programmes have previously provided entrepreneurs with access to business training, digital learning resources and certification opportunities in collaboration with development partners.
The initiative has already attracted international attention. A delegation from Angola’s National Institute of Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM) recently visited Nigeria to study the mySMEville model and explore opportunities for adapting similar approaches within Angola’s business ecosystem. The visit underscores growing recognition of the role technology-enabled partnerships can play in supporting entrepreneurship across Africa.
Industry analysts believe the success of the platform could have far-reaching implications for economic development. By improving access to finance, markets and digital tools, the initiative has the potential to stimulate business growth, increase job creation and strengthen financial inclusion. Small businesses are widely regarded as critical drivers of innovation and employment, making support programmes such as mySMEville increasingly important for national development.
Looking ahead, MTN and SMEDAN plan to expand onboarding efforts, strengthen partnerships and introduce additional services aimed at supporting enterprise growth. Stakeholders expressed confidence that reaching five million MSMEs is achievable if awareness, digital adoption and ecosystem collaboration continue to grow.
As Nigeria seeks to build a more resilient and inclusive economy, the expansion of mySMEville represents a significant step toward empowering entrepreneurs and closing longstanding gaps in business support. By combining technology, financing access and enterprise development services within a single platform, MTN and SMEDAN are positioning themselves at the forefront of efforts to unlock the potential of millions of Nigerian businesses.
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