A Nigerian Diaspora MSMEs and Job Creation Roadshow is a great initiative that can serve as a platform for engaging the Nigerian Diaspora, showcasing opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and encouraging investments that lead to job creation. The roadshow could play a pivotal role in connecting the Diaspora with local entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to foster economic development in Nigeria.

Key Objectives of the Roadshow

• Promote MSME Growth: Highlight the potential of MSMEs in Nigeria as drivers of economic growth and job creation.
• Engage the Diaspora: Tap into the wealth, expertise, and networks of the Nigerian Diaspora to support the growth of MSMEs and generate investment opportunities.
• Facilitate Investment: Showcase the investment opportunities in the MSME sector, encouraging Diaspora individuals and organizations to invest in Nigerian businesses and create jobs.
• Promote Skills Transfer: Encourage knowledge sharing between Nigerian Diaspora professionals, entrepreneurs, and local MSMEs, enhancing capacity building and skills development.

Key Components of the Roadshow

• Workshops and Panels
  • Access to Finance for MSMEs: Provide guidance on navigating financing options available for MSMEs, including government grants, venture capital, Diaspora investment funds, and crowdfunding.
• Networking and Matchmaking
  • Investor-Entrepreneur Matchmaking: Organize structured networking sessions where Diaspora investors and local entrepreneurs can meet and explore potential partnerships.
  • Mentorship and Capacity Building: Set up mentorship programs where successful Diaspora business owners can mentor Nigerian MSMEs, especially in areas like business strategy, marketing, and scaling.
  • Business Pitch Competitions: Invite Nigerian MSMEs to pitch their businesses to Diaspora investors, providing a platform for them to secure funding or strategic partnerships.
• Diaspora Success Stories
  • Highlight Successful Diaspora Entrepreneurs: Share case studies of Nigerian Diaspora entrepreneurs who have successfully invested in or collaborated with Nigerian businesses. These stories can inspire other members of the Diaspora to get involved in the country’s economic growth.
• Exhibitions and Showcases
  • MSME Expo: An exhibition space where MSMEs can showcase their products, services, and innovations to potential investors, partners, and customers.
• Job Creation Opportunities
  • Creating Jobs through MSMEs: Focus on how MSMEs contribute significantly to job creation in Nigeria. Discussions can revolve around the untapped potential of MSMEs in addressing unemployment, especially among young people.
• Diaspora Investment Funds & Partnerships
  • Diaspora-Focused Funds: Present information on Diaspora-specific investment funds or programs aimed at supporting Nigerian MSMEs. These funds can be designed to facilitate investments in high-growth MSMEs that have the potential to scale rapidly.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the public sector (e.g., Nigerian government, local government authorities) and private sector players (e.g., Diaspora investors, multinational companies, banks) to co-finance MSME initiatives that create job opportunities.

The roadshow can be hosted in major cities with a large Nigerian Diaspora population, such as:

• United Kingdom: London, Manchester, and Birmingham have large Nigerian Diaspora populations.
• Diaspora Networks & Associations: Leverage Nigerian Diaspora associations and professional groups in each country to mobilize participation and interest in the roadshow.