PwC MSME Survey 2020

INTERVIEW: OLUSEGUN AWOLOWO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NIGERIAN EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL (NEPC) "At interest rates of upwards of 20%, it is very hard for SMEs to access finance. They cannot get the necessary loans to scale up production. This makes it hard for them to meet local demand, let alone international demand. " How have SMEs been benefiting from pre-shipment incentives offered by NEPC? All the activities I have described above, from sponsoring trade fair participation to training on certification, are examples of how SMEs are benefitting from the pre-shipment incentives offered by NEPC. We will continue these activities, whilst looking at others, to ensure that our SMEs are as prepared as possible to participate in the international market. Are there any other aspects of Exports NEPC is seeking SMEs to explore and why? We are talking to SMEs about promoting value addition in our economy. Of course, that is not to say that we want to stop exporting raw materials. But, a balancing act needs to be found. It is only through processing that we can generate higher foreign exchange. One example I often use is a cashew processing company, called Food Pro. They were previously exporting raw cashew but NEPC helped to facilitate the company with access to a Bank of Industry Loan. Now, FoodPro produces roasted cashews that are exported to the likes of the UK and South Africa. What other benefits and partnerships should SMEs look forward to in the near future? We are constantly looking to improve the services we offer at NEPC. We are now using the International Trade Centre's trade tools to make more informed strategic decisions on sectors and markets. SMEs can look forward to reaping the benefits from NEPC staff using these tools. We are also continuing to form strategic partnerships with International Organizations to help promote made in Nigeria goods and services. The partnership with the British High Commission mentioned earlier is an example of this. Olusegun Awolowo is Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). NEPC is Nigeria's apex organisation for the promotion of non- oil exports as a key driver for the diversification of the nation's economy. He leads a team of nearly 400 staff spread across over 20 offices with the Headquarters in Abuja. Nigeria's non- oil sector is a major contributor to the nation's GDP and has even greater potential, which is the reason Mr Awolowo is driving an ambitious Zero Oil Plan as an economic blueprint for Nigeria. Under Mr Awolowo's leadership, NEPC won the ITC's prestigious World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) 2018 Award, for the Best Initiative to Ensure Trade is Inclusive and Sustainable. PwC MSME Survey 2020 PwC June 2020 38

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