The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has moved to empower Nigerian youths with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in the country’s non-oil export sector, thereby improving foreign earnings.
Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the Youth for Export Programme (YEP) in Abuja, the Executive Director of the Council, Dr. Exzra Yakusak said the programme is aimed at developing the young population for export.
He explained that the programme is targeted at building the capacity of the youth population by addressing export skill gaps, standards & quality requirements for export products; documentation and procedural issues as well as the technicalities involved in trading offshore.
“The programme will therefore provide training and mentorship on the export process, market research, product development, and access to funding and markets.
“In simple terms, the Youth for Export Programme will help to expose youths to practical aspects in export business processes thereby generating employment and driving inclusive economic growth and development”.
Yakusak stated that the objective of this programme is to train Nigerian youths to create a platform that demystify fear, risk and uncertainties usually associated with export by youth entrepreneurs, while providing opportunity for youths to showcase their talents and abilities to participate in the export market space.
“To on-board youth in business onto NEPC vertical strategic plan of Export4Survival initiatives, increase the contribution of youth-led export businesses to the Nigerian economy and increase non-oil export earnings and make the sector a major contributor to the country’s sustainable economic development” he said.
The ED commended partners of the programme, stating that “this project is a Public Private Partnership with Zeenab Foods Limited as a major programme implementing partner.
“Zeenab Foods Limited is the operator of the Nigerian Export Trade House in China. To underscore the importance of this project, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Zeenab Foods Ltd in this respect”.
He noted that the Council will provide capacity building of youths, Zeenab Foods on the other hand will provide mentor-ship and market access for youth entrepreneurs.
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