The partnership between EBSMEDA and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Business Development is multifaceted and deeply rooted in shared goals for economic development in Ebonyi State.
Together, they have played a central role in designing and deploying financial platforms and credit schemes, co-funding grants and SME loans, and equipping entrepreneurs through capacity-building workshops, skill acquisition programs, and participation in trade fairs.
Their collaboration extends to the development of business infrastructure such as markets and SME hubs, active advocacy for business-friendly reforms, and the implementation of value-chain initiatives in sectors like agribusiness and clean technology. Collectively, these efforts have resulted in the disbursement of millions of naira in financing, the empowerment of tens of thousands of small and medium enterprises, expanded market access, strengthened policy frameworks, and the establishment of scalable, sustainable business ecosystems across the state.
Overview of how EBSMEDA collaborates with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Business Development in Ebonyi State:
Joint Management of MSME Financing & Digital Loan Portal
EBSMEDA partnered with the Ministry to support the launch of a digital MSME loan and e‑wallet portal—developed by USAID‑CNFA under the Feed the Future programme—to deliver state MSME Development Funds. This platform channels federal, private, and World Bank–backed NG‑CARES funding to agribusiness and small traders, enhancing transparency and repayment tracking
So far, over 609 rice farmers have received ₦69 m ($169k), with additional disbursements planned for nearly 400 more; the portal aims to reach ~6,000 MSMEs and disburse ₦6 billion in synergy with Bank of Industry, Zenith Bank, the Central Bank’s Agri‑Credit Guarantee Scheme, and First Bank of Nigeria
Co‑funding and Credit–Grant Initiatives
The Ministry’s Department for Funds for MSMEs directly supports EBSMEDA’s finance strategies. It administers applications for state‑sponsored loans, credit counselling, and capacity‑building; EBSMEDA steps in to ensure ease‑of‑access and administration .
In mid‑2024, the State’s Executive Council approved ₦500 million to EBSMEDA for empowerment grants to 10,000 Ebonyians. A ₦2.62 billion package supporting social development was also passed—jointly driven by the Ministry and EBSMEDA
Capacity Building & Business Development Programs
Together, the Ministry and EBSMEDA have organized and financed dozens of training workshops aimed at SMEs—covering soap-making, baking, business planning, loan applications, export readiness, and more. These are often held at the Ebonyi Business Support Centre and the SME Business Hub
Since June 2025, they’ve worked on export-promotion initiatives: including the rollout of free Export and CAC certificates and sensitization across the three senatorial zones under the State’s SABER reforms
Infrastructure & Market Access Collaboration
The Ministry’s efforts to renovate markets, rebuild abattoirs, and provide industrial estates leverage EBSMEDA’s input on SME clusters and infrastructure—ensuring that entrepreneurs have functional spaces to operate and scale
EBSMEDA also promotes public-private partnerships, supporting Ministry-led exhibitions (e.g., Kaduna, Enugu, Abuja, Lagos fairs and the AGRODEF expo) to help SMEs tap into new markets
Policy & Reform Advocacy
EBSMEDA works with the Ministry on policy reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business—including efforts under the SABER framework, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and supporting Executive Orders on investment and PPPs
This joint advocacy has enabled the rollout of state-level platforms like NG-CARES and created legislative anchors for SME growth (e.g., PPP Law 2021, Investment Promotion Law 2019)
Sector-Specific Programmes: Clean Cooking & Agribusiness
In collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, EBSMEDA co-hosted the Ebonyi Clean Cooking Forum (late 2023), supported by ICEED and the wife of the Governor. The initiative aims to train youth in efficient cookstove production, support local manufacturing, and reduce deforestation
On agribusiness, the two agencies facilitated integration of CBN’s AcGS fund and BOI on-lending scheme, benefiting farmers and SMEs in core value chains such as rice, maize, and aquaculture
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