Within the framework of the Nigeria One UN COVID-19 Response Basket Fund, the project “Strengthening the Capacity of local MSMEs/Manufacturers to produce high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and healthcare-related products” has been a flagship example of how partnership between UN agencies can deliver outstanding results by combining expertise and resources.    

Implemented between 2021 and 2023 by four UN agencies (UNIDO, ILO, UN Women and WHO) under the leadership of UNIDO, the project assisted and trained 174 Nigerian MSMEs1 in several intervention areas. In particular, to comply with market requirements, standards and technical regulations and ensure production of PPEs and healthcare products that can meet local demand and export to the ECOWAS sub-region. In addition, the project procured over 320 items to 124 beneficiary MSMEs, such as sewing machines, alcoholmeters, mixing machines, generators, etc.  

To ensure the successful implementation of the project, UNIDO, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), drew on its expertise in normative functions, MSME and cluster development, standards, conformity assessment and quality related activities.  

The project succeeded to create among the target MSMEs full awareness of the need for introducing and enhancing best quality management practices and to generate concrete processes and actions as a result of the delivered technical assistance, training and equipment, including establishment and consolidation of existing networks (clusters) for joint cooperation and integration. As a result of the project´s interventions and thanks to the extensive support of all UN agencies, it is estimated that jobs have increased by 40% and revenues by 25% in the beneficiary MSMEs in Nigeria.

Further information:

- Testimony of one beneficiary MSME: here 
- Brochure on project results : here