The journey towards digital transformation for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria took a significant leap forward recently. A select group of trainers and mentors were invited to participate in a specialized Training of Trainers and Mentors (ToTM) workshop, organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). This intense three-day workshop, held from August 13th to 15th, was designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (DSE) course, a key initiative aimed at enhancing digital literacy and entrepreneurship across the country. Among the participants were representatives from Startup Kano
Workshop Objectives
The workshop aimed to ensure that participants:
- Gained a comprehensive understanding of the Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs Course offered by GIZ’s Digital Transformation Center (DTC).
- Acquired knowledge of digital tools and solutions critical for enhancing digital literacy and skills among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those owned by youth and women.
- Enhanced their training and mentoring capabilities, adopting methodologies tailored to the DSE course.
- Validated the curriculum against Nigerian industry standards and the latest digital trends, ensuring relevance and applicability to local MSMEs.
- Became familiar with various topics and subtopics within the digital transformation roadmap.
To maximize the benefits of the workshop, participants adhered to key engagement principles, which included active participation, readiness for engagement, punctuality, and a commitment to late-hour work. Participants were also required to provide their digital devices, have relevant apps downloaded, and review materials before sessions. Additionally, there was an emphasis on the willingness to voluntarily support and guide the implementation process post-training.
The Facilitation Team
The workshop was facilitated by an esteemed team of experts including Peik Bruhns (GOPA Team Leader), Ismaeel Lawal, Nuhu Longkat, Dr. Ed Canela (MSME development and digital solutions experts), Dr. Samuel Jackson, Avess Abutu, Dr. Natasha Aduloju-Ajijola (DSE material developers), along with Gbeke Oshinowo, Grace Okewale (DTC Team), and Loveth Afekhai (GOPA Administrator). Their combined expertise ensured that participants were thoroughly equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
The participation of our trainers and mentors in this workshop marks a significant step forward in our commitment to driving digital transformation among MSMEs in Nigeria. The knowledge and skills gained will be instrumental in the rollout of the DSE course, ensuring that we continue to empower youth and women entrepreneurs across the region.
Startup Kano remains dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and we look forward to implementing the learnings from this workshop to further support the growth and development of MSMEs in Nigeria.
