In a bid to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the MTN Nigeria, says it has started a Revv Programme.
The Revv Programme seeks to address major macro level issues specifically in the areas of re-igniting the economy and driving digital inclusion for SMEs.
This is in line with the digital economy drive of the Federal Government as espoused in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
Speaking on Tuesday at the virtual launch of the programme, Dr Isa Patanmi, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, commended MTN Nigeria for supporting the digital economy drive of the country.
“As stakeholders in the public and private sector, it is our collective responsibility to implement the digital economy initiative of the government.
”I am glad that MTN has been supportive of this policy, and is organising The Revv Programme, which will go a long way in transforming Nigerian entrepreneurs, most especially those in the Micro and Small Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector,” Patanmi said.
Also, Chief Adeniyi Adebayo, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said that there was a nexus between his ministry’s efforts in developing the MSME space and MTN’s Revv Programme.
Adebayo said the aim was to focus mainly on MSMEs, address the foundational digital needs and other skills such as businesses needed to develop, which include access to information, infrastructure, funding and new markets.
The Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman, while thanking the ministers for their supports, said that the initiative was to provide support to SMEs as they continued to lead the Nigeria’s growth.
“We believe that at this time when many businesses are at their most vulnerable and with a rapidly changing business environment, it is important that other businesses position themselves to support SMEs as foundation to the growth of a stronger economy going into 2021 and beyond.
“MTN has always spearhead programmes to uplift businesses in Nigeria.
“The Revv Programme is our way of standing with SMEs in their journey to rise through the challenging times.
“We are positive that this will assist them with the digital skill sets necessary to continue to thrive.
“Since the advent of the Coronavirus, MTN, in tune with its ‘We Are Good Together (WAGT)’ initiative, has positioned some support measures and initiatives for consumers,” Moolman said.
He recalled that the company had supported the government agencies such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, front-line health workers and other levels of government to navigate the challenges occasioned by the pandemic.
