The World Trade Centre (WTC) Abuja on Thursday launched the Export Launchpad Bootcamp aimed at equipping Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge, tools and practical skills required to access international markets and grow their export businesses.
The programme, which is based on the World Trade Centers Association’s (WTCA) Deep Dive Global Series, the organisers said, is designed to help businesses move from export ambition to actual execution by addressing key areas including market selection, export readiness, entry strategies, logistics, documentation, compliance, payments and risk management.
Delivering his welcome address to the participants at the launch, Vice President of the World Trade Centre, Abuja, Karim Adelaja, said the initiative was developed in response to the growing opportunities for Nigerian businesses in global markets.
He disclosed that Nigeria recorded its highest formally documented non-oil export performance in 2025, valued at $6.1 billion, with 281 non-oil products exported to 120 countries.
“These figures demonstrate that Nigerian products are already finding markets around the world,” he said.
Karim said Nigerian enterprises across agriculture, manufacturing, technology, the creative economy and professional services were producing goods and services with the potential to compete internationally.
He however, said possessing competitive products was only the beginning, stressing that businesses must also understand their target markets, international standards, certification requirements, logistics, documentation, payment systems and how to deliver consistently and profitably.
“The more important question is whether our businesses have the knowledge, systems, standards and consistency required to enter those markets successfully and remain competitive,” he said.
He explained that the Export Launchpad was structured to help participants assess their export readiness, identify viable markets, understand international trade procedures and develop practical strategies for sustainable export growth.
“Our intention is not merely to discuss exporting. It is to help build exporters,” Ahmed said.
According to him, the programme would also provide participants with opportunities to establish relationships with buyers, financial institutions, logistics providers, regulators, professional advisers and other businesses.
He said the success of the initiative would ultimately be measured by the number of businesses that close their readiness gaps, secure necessary certifications, identify credible buyers, enter new markets and complete successful export transactions.
The programme, he said, covers three broad areas: laying the groundwork, export mechanics and operations, and post-export activities and growth.
Under the groundwork component, participants are expected to learn how to select and prioritise target markets, evaluate entry strategies, assess internal export capacity, refine their value propositions and engage relevant trade-support institutions.
The export mechanics and operations component focuses on production and supply chains, logistics and distribution, Incoterms, documentation, customs and tax considerations, payment methods, foreign exchange risks and trade compliance.
The programme also addresses post-export activities, including performance reviews, market development, customer engagement, scaling strategies and building industry partnerships.
Furthermore, he said the bootcamp would combine presentations, workshops, quizzes, panel sessions and practical activities based on models tested with thousands of SMEs globally.
The programme is also expected to provide participants with opportunities to network with stakeholders within the export ecosystem during a working reception at the conclusion of the event.
He commended the facilitators, institutional partners, sponsor, Zenith Bank Plc and the World Trade Center Abuja Trade Services team for supporting the initiative, urging participants to engage actively with the programme and identify specific actions required.
Emmanuel Addeh
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