The Ebonyi State Government has renewed its drive to expand the reach of locally produced goods by offering free export certification to eligible entrepreneurs and businesses across the state.
The initiative, being implemented through the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (EBSMEDA), is designed to help local businesses obtain the necessary certification to access international markets without bearing the cost of certification.
The programme, which was introduced last year, is being sustained under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as part of efforts to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, promote local production, create jobs and expand economic opportunities for residents.
According to the state government, the initiative is targeted at businesses whose products have the potential to compete beyond Ebonyi State, particularly manufacturers, processors, agro-allied businesses, cooperatives and other small and medium-scale enterprises.
Eligible beneficiaries include registered and aspiring exporters in Ebonyi State, manufacturers and processors, agro-allied businesses, cooperatives and SMEs, as well as businesses with products or services considered ready for international markets.
Applicants seeking export certificate registration are required to provide their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate for limited liability companies, names and telephone numbers of directors, a duly stamped and signed board resolution, an active email address and password, as well as the Chief Executive Officer’s residential address, date of birth and telephone number.
Other requirements include the business address and the nature of the business.
The application forms are available at the Staff Development Centre, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki, where interested businesses can obtain further information and commence the registration process.
The initiative is expected to provide Ebonyi entrepreneurs with greater access to opportunities outside the state and encourage the internationalisation of locally produced agricultural, processed and manufactured goods.
The state government said the objective is to ensure that products made in Ebonyi are not confined to the local market but are positioned to compete in national and international markets.
The renewed export certification programme is therefore being positioned as part of the administration’s broader economic development agenda of transforming local production into increased income, employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth for the people of Ebonyi State.
