Stanbic IBTC Bank and technology company, Google, have sealed a collaboration that will enable the youth and operators in the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) sector in Nigeria acquire digital skills for economic advancement.
A statement issued by the bank on Saturday said that the collaboration would facilitate capacity-building for SMEs in the country, adding that beneficiaries would be trained on skills and value of digital marketing.
The training session is scheduled to kick-off in Lagos and Kaduna on July 19, 2016 and will subsequently hold in seven other states across the country.
The initiative aims to digitally empower about one thousand SMEs in one year.
“By organising the capacity building sessions in different parts of the country, the partners hope to build critical mass of businesses through increased adoption of digital technology and enhance their contributions to economic development,’’ it said.
The head, SME Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Obinnia Ukachukwu, stated that as diversification of Nigeria’s economy returns to the front burner, it has become imperative to highlight the role of digital technology on empowering the youth and stimulating growth of SMEs.
Ukachukwu said the collaboration fits into the institution’s goal of fostering economic empowerment through strategic interventions that enable individuals and businesses realize their aspirations.
Also, head of Digital Education, Google Africa, Bunmi Banjo, said: ‘‘We are happy to be collaborating with Stanbic IBTC Bank to provide free digital trainings to local entrepreneurs.
“With over 97 million online subscribers, Nigeria continues to be one of the highest online populations in the world. This presents big opportunities for the Small and Medium Business sector. We believe that when these SMEs have the right digital skills, they can better leverage the Internet to grow their businesses, create more jobs and boost economic growth in Nigeria.”
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