In a continued effort to accelerate digital transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Tech Herfrica, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted a capacity-building workshop for agricultural small and medium enterprises (Agri-SMEs) under the EAT Programme on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The half-day training brought together 11 Agri-SMEs representing diverse agricultural value chains, alongside key institutional stakeholders including the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and ITC representatives.
A Training Rooted in Practical Learning
Themed “Digitalisation Benefits for Agri-SMEs,” the workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of digital transformation tools and help them identify technologies most relevant to their businesses.
Facilitated by representatives of Tech Herfrica and ITC, the sessions combined mindset development, business strategy, and practical tool demonstrations. Participants explored how adopting digital solutions can increase productivity, improve record-keeping, and open new market opportunities.
Modules covered included:
- Entrepreneurial Mindset for Digital Adoption
- Why Digitise? Benefits for Agricultural SMEs
- Overview of Digital Tools for Agriculture
- Practical Walkthroughs and Tool Demos
- Financial Literacy in the Digital Era
From Awareness to Action
While some participants arrived with an already advanced understanding of business operations, the facilitation team adapted the sessions in real time to meet their digital maturity and expectations.
One participant shared that the EAT Programme had already spurred her to begin digitising her business, making this training a timely reinforcement of her journey. For others, the introduction to digital service providers such as AirSmat, Farmz2u, Figorr, Hello Tractor, and Vendease opened new possibilities for scaling their enterprises.
By the end of the training, participants had each developed a personal action plan committing to:
- Explore at least one digital tool introduced during the training.
- Adopt one new financial habit to strengthen business resilience.
- Identify one support structure to lean on for continued growth.
Forging New Linkages
Beyond individual learning, the training created stronger ecosystem connections. Immediately after the session, participants took part in a matchmaking exercise where they met representatives of the featured digital service providers to discuss potential collaborations.
Over the next six months, the five service providers will conduct follow-up visits to participating Agri-SMEs to better understand their operational challenges and offer tailored, real-time support, an approach that reinforces ITC’s commitment to sustained impact.
Reflections and Next Steps
Despite a delayed start due to participant arrival times and brief connectivity interruptions during the practical sessions, the training delivered meaningful engagement and clear outcomes.
Participants expressed appreciation for the session’s practical focus and the opportunity to interact directly with digital providers shaping Nigeria’s agri-tech ecosystem.
According to Esohe Ekunwe, who facilitated most of the training sessions,
“The goal was not just to teach digital tools, but to help Agri-SMEs see technology as a bridge to stronger businesses and new opportunities. The participants’ enthusiasm showed that they’re ready to take that next step.”
The workshop reflects ITC’s continued dedication to supporting inclusive and technology-driven growth for small businesses across Africa.