Deadline: June 6
Are you a Lagos-based entrepreneur ready to scale your business beyond borders? The Lagos State SME Export Accelerator Program is now open for applications, offering a transformative opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in intra-African and global trade.
Launched in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, Afreximbank, and ImpactHER, this program is tailored to equip 250 export-ready enterprises with the skills, mentorship, and market access needed to thrive under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Why You Should Apply
The Lagos State SME Export Accelerator Program offers an unmatched opportunity for SMEs to unlock cross-border trade benefits and expand into international markets. Selected participants will gain:
- World-Class Export Readiness Training (both virtual and in-person)
- Expert Business Mentorship and Trade Advisory
- Capstone Activities, including:
- Live Export Negotiation Simulations
- B2B and B2G Matchmaking Events
- Site Visits to Export Hubs
- Live Investor Pitching Sessions
- Sponsored Participation at IATF 2025: Top-performing SMEs will receive full sponsorship to exhibit at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
- Post-Program Support: Continued access to export financing, promotion, and advisory services.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To ensure the highest impact, the program targets growth-oriented SMEs that meet the following criteria:
✅ Business Requirements
- Registered and operating within Lagos State
- CAC registration and proof of business address required
✅ Product and Export Readiness
- Product/service must have proven local market success
- Preferably hold certifications (e.g., SONCAP, NAFDAC)
- Previous export or international trade experience is a plus
✅ Sector Focus Areas
- Agribusiness and Agro-processing
- Light and Heavy Manufacturing
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Creative Industries (Fashion, Film, Music, Art)
- FinTech and Digital Economy
- Renewable and Circular Economy Solutions
- Professional and Knowledge Services
✅ Business Maturity
- At least 2 years of continuous operations
- Verifiable revenue generation (supported by bank statements or audited financials)
✅ Leadership Profile
- Entrepreneur must be 25 years or older
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Must possess a valid international passport (minimum 12-month validity)
✅ Digital Presence
- Active website, social media, or e-commerce engagement
✅ Compliance
- Business must be in good legal and financial standing
How to Apply
Ready to scale beyond Lagos and become an African trade leader?
👉 Apply Now via this official link
📅 Deadline for applications: June 6th, 2025
⚠️ Note: Only selected applicants will be contacted.
💡 Expert Advice from GrantsDatabase.org
According to proposal strategy experts at GrantsDatabase.org, the key to a successful application lies in demonstrating export potential, sector alignment, and proof of business maturity.
“Many SMEs miss out due to vague documentation or unverified growth claims,” says a senior advisor at GrantsDatabase.org. “Your application should clearly show how your product or service has succeeded locally, with evidence of revenue, customer traction, and export potential.”
📩 Contact GrantsDatabase.org for proposal drafting, refinement, and review. Whether you’re refining your business pitch or gathering supporting documentation, our experts can help you craft a competitive application.
Join the Future of African Trade
The Lagos State SME Export Accelerator Program is more than a training—it’s a launchpad to international success. Be part of a forward-thinking network of businesses scaling Africa’s trade frontiers.
Apply now to be one of the 250 SMEs selected to lead Lagos into the future of cross-border commerce.
