By   Milcah   Tanimu

The Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Weert Borner, has called for increased support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in Nigeria, highlighting their crucial role in the nation’s economy. Borner made this appeal during the Nigeria-German Start-Up Exchange Dinner Reception held at the German Consulate Office in Victoria Island, Lagos.

He emphasized the significant impact of SMEs and start-ups in creating jobs and fostering economic growth, drawing parallels between Nigerian and German economies where these enterprises play vital roles.

The German-Nigerian Start-Up Exchange Programme, initiated earlier this year, facilitated mutual learning between Nigerian and German entrepreneurs. Borner described the programme as a success, noting its role in expanding participants’ perspectives on business operations and fostering collaboration opportunities.

Participants, including Princess Echefu of Phiozah Ltd and Augusta Okafor of Africa Medical Market Place, shared their transformative experiences from the exchange. They highlighted the insights gained, business connections made, and the motivation received to enhance their ventures.

Kai Wageringel from Detechgene in Cologne, Germany, praised Nigerian hospitality and expressed optimism about the potential for point-of-care diagnostics in the Nigerian market. He discussed plans to leverage local opportunities and optimize diagnostic technologies for broader healthcare applications.

Overall, Borner commended the collaborative efforts of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Economic and Innovation, and the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce in supporting this initiative.

The exchange programme not only strengthened business ties between Nigeria and Germany but also underscored the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable economic development.