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Distributive trade and service industries [DTSI] account for a substantial aspect of economic activities in every country, whether they are measured in terms of contributions to the GDP or share of total employment. In Nigeria, the sub-sector’s share of GDP is over 10 per cent. There are no reliable estimates of the percentage of able bodied Nigerians employed in this sub-sector, but casual observation suggests that it is remarkably high in spite of the increasing rate of under-employment, according to data by the National Bureau of Statistics. Nigeria attracted over N205.4 billion worth of fresh investments into her retail sector in the last two years, according to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga. Business growth and profitability will depend on investors understanding of the emerging markets in Nigeria. The SME forum for Retail and Distributive Trade will proffer positive answers to SMEs survival and the varieties of opportunities for investors and business owners. The forum amongst other objectives will create a platform for small and medium enterprise owners to meet and explore new business opportunities. It is a melting point for SMEs to acquire knowledge and source solutions for growth of their businesses. It is a forum that connects suppliers with retailers, distributors and start-up with investors. This initiative provides SMEs with special insights and updates of the opportunities and challenges for them to explore and develop ideas, innovations and networks for expansion and growth. Experts from institutional banks, development agencies, SME consultancies, management experts, financial analysts and economists will be facilitating at the event. Topics to be discussed at the Forum include:

Addressing the challenges of retail & distributive markets
Country’s economic outlook and the MINT target
The challenges of market data for planning
Imperatives of insurance for SMEs growth
Improving agricultural value chain through SMEs
Developing a sustainable ICT framework for SMEs
Managing credit lines or direct financing
Logistics management for retail business

Speakers/Panelists include:

Dr Ayo Terbia, CEO, Economic Associates
Dr Yemi Kale, DG, National Bureau of Statistics
Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, DG, SMEDAN
MR Alex Otti, MD, Diamond Bank
Mr Reginald Nworka, SME Development Specialist, IFC among other distinguished speakers

For more information, call Monday on 0803 306 4112, or Osita on 0806 938 3688, or email – info@therepublicng.com