EoPSD - Background & Objective

Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Project Area: Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States, Nigeria
Political Partner: National Planning Commission (NPC)
Implementing Agencies: GTZ, AFC, GOPA
Overall term: September 2003 to August 2010, with possible extension to 2014

Context and situation in the partner states

Nigeria is a country with significant natural resources and potentially vast wealth, yet its economic development in particular among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) still lags behind expectations of potential performance. The Nigerian Government, as stated in the 7 point agenda of the President and the Vision 2020, is putting emphasis on non-oil growth and therefore challenges the private sector to become Nigeria's engine of growth.
With growing regional and global linkages businesses and farmers in Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States are increasingly challenged to defend their markets. They work with outmoded techniques, technical resources and skills and often lack both management and entrepreneurial skills to improve their situation. Poor product quality and insufficient diversification are the consequences. Local businesses have to compete with goods and services which are of better quality and higher standard and partly offered at lower prices. Poor power supply and frequently intransparent administrative procedures further hamper their development. Traditional associations are often weak in representing and defending their members' interests. Capacity to change, adapt or improve this situation is a challenge for both the private and the public sector.

Objective

The Employment-oriented Private Sector Development Programme (EoPSD) aims to improve the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) so that they can increase their income and create employment opportunities.

Project Area

The 3 states which constitute the EoPSD project area are situated in the Middle Belt, the region dividing the principally Islamic North from the Christian-animist Southern part of the country. The area is characterized by a heterogeneity and diversity of peoples and cultures.

• Niger
• Nasarawa
• Plateau