MTN Nigeria has selected 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria to benefit from an accelerator program, Y’ello 200, in continuation of The Revv Programme.
The initiative was launched to address the critical needs of MSMEs as well as to mitigate against the effects of COVID-19 on their businesses. Adopting a four-pronged approach that includes masterclasses, access to market, productivity tools support and advisory initiatives, the programme also seeks to address issues in the areas of re-igniting the economy by driving digital inclusion for SMEs.
To further this cause, 200 top-performing MSMEs have been selected from participants in The Revv Masterclasses to undergo further upscaling. The Y’ello 200 was unveiled at the closing ceremony of The Revv Programme which held virtually on Monday, December 14, 2020.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria, congratulated the selected MSMEs. She said, “These 200 MSMEs were selected based on their performance and polls during the masterclasses.
With MSMEs accounting for 94% of all businesses in Nigeria and 84% of employment, it is a known fact that when MSMEs thrive, the economy thrives. Our goal is to empower MSMEs with the tools to make them thrive in today’s digital economy. The Revv Programme has not ended but enters into its next phase”, she added.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Otunba Femi Pedro, congratulated the MSMEs. “Let me sincerely congratulate members of the Y’ello 200 on your perseverance, your quest for knowledge and staying the course during this programme.
It is our desire that the knowledge gained will position your business to be stronger and better in the coming years.
Once again, I thank MTN for this laudable initiative. We also use this opportunity to charge this great company that much more is expected to thoroughly empower the millions of MSMEs in Nigeria”, the Chairman concluded.
A recipient, Bolarinwa Yekeen, owner of Nile Delivery Services from Kaduna shared his appreciation. “On behalf of myself and other beneficiaries, I want to sincerely thank MTN for the insight and eye-opening masterclasses that we attended. I want to say a very big thank you for all the wonderful experience.”
The Y’ello 200 will enjoy exclusive access to a broad range of technology and productivity tools and services absolutely free, for a period of six months. They will also be supported with access to market and advisory initiatives. The Revv Programme is a give-back initiative targeted at MSMEs and will now be held annually.