Brazil and Nigeria Forge Stronger Ties to Empower Small Businesses

A Nigerian delegation recently visited Sebrae, Brazil's support service for micro and small businesses, to learn from its successful models aimed at strengthening small business ecosystems. This visit underscores the growing cooperation between Brazil and Nigeria to enhance entrepreneurial growth and economic diversification, particularly as Nigeria shifts focus from oil dependency to bolstering its micro and small enterprises, which make up about 90% of its businesses.

Rodrigo Soares, president of Sebrae, highlighted that small businesses constitute 95% of Brazil's companies and are key drivers of job creation. He emphasized the importance of sharing expertise to overcome challenges such as informality, limited credit access, and low productivity, common to both countries. The Nigerian delegation was introduced to Sebrae initiatives like "Brasil Mais Produtivo," which has improved productivity and energy efficiency for more than 200,000 micro and small enterprises, and "Conexões Corporativas," connecting small businesses with larger companies, benefiting over 191,000 enterprises and generating R$ 11 billion.

Edmond Olushola Oluokun, leader of the Nigerian delegation, praised the knowledge exchange, especially Brazilian expertise in export-oriented manufacturing. Discussions included opportunities for Brazilian microenterprises in Nigeria’s large 232 million population market. This visit builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding established in August 2025 to enhance entrepreneurial training and develop value chains between the two nations.

Meanwhile, in Londrina, Paraná, the Feira do Empreendedor Sebrae, scheduled for August 6 to 8 at Parque Ney Braga, is gearing up to support local micro and small entrepreneurs, who represent 93% of the city's 117,000 businesses. This free event aims to generate business opportunities, knowledge sharing, and networking among entrepreneurs. Vitor Roberto Tioqueta, Sebrae/PR director-superintendent, remarked, "We aim to gather real opportunities in one environment for those who want to start or grow their business." Mayor Tiago Amaral called it a unique chance to fortify Londrina’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The event will feature four knowledge arenas, business rounds, trends discussions, and talks by notable figures like João Branco, former VP of Marketing at McDonald's Brazil; Caito Maia, founder of Chilli Beans; and Carla Sarni, a Brazilian entrepreneurship leader. There are open calls for innovative companies and local producers to exhibit their products, with application deadlines in late May. The Feira do Empreendedor program will also occur in Pato Branco and Curitiba this year, strengthening Paraná's small business landscape.