Apply for TFO Canada TRISEG Export Support Programme for Nigerian SMEs

Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can register with Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada under its Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth (TRISEG) initiative, a five-year programme designed to strengthen businesses in developing countries and improve access to international markets.

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Launched in September 2025, TRISEG will run from 2025 to 2030 and targets 3,200 SMEs across 16 countries, including Nigeria. The initiative is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by TFO Canada in collaboration with Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) in participating countries.

Nigeria is among eight African beneficiary countries, alongside Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Senegal and Zambia. Other participating countries are located in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The programme focuses particularly on businesses owned or led by women and underrepresented groups, with 2,133 of the targeted enterprises expected to fall within these categories.

TRISEG is designed to help businesses address challenges that limit growth, including restricted access to finance, insufficient digital capacity and difficulties reaching international buyers. It also promotes environmentally sustainable products and services and encourages businesses to prepare for climate-related risks.

Support areas include capacity building, digital strategies, climate resilience planning and market access. Export-ready Nigerian businesses may receive support to connect with Canadian and other international buyers through trade partnerships.

The initiative also includes a Climate Resilience Fund intended to support SMEs in developing climate-resilience investment plans and facilitate access to capital through partnerships with local financial institutions. However, registration does not automatically guarantee a grant, loan or direct funding award.

TFO Canada also plans to provide updated trade information through its online platform, with the broader initiative aiming to reach more than 5,550 SME beneficiaries through its trade information services.

The Nigerian government’s involvement should be distinguished from the programme’s funding and implementation arrangements. The published programme description identifies Global Affairs Canada as the funder and TFO Canada as the implementing organisation, working with local Trade Support Institutions. Any specific role played by a Nigerian federal government agency should be confirmed from an official announcement.

Who can register

• Nigerian SMEs seeking to develop export capacity or reach international markets.
• Businesses interested in digitalisation, climate resilience and sustainable trade.
• Exporters seeking trade information and connections with potential Canadian or international buyers.

Registration does not guarantee selection for every support component, and businesses should check the applicable terms before applying.

How to apply

Interested Nigerian businesses can visit TFO Canada’s official exporter registration page at https://tfocanada.ca/register-exporter/. Applicants should complete the requested business information and follow the instructions provided on the website. They should verify any TRISEG-specific eligibility requirements directly with TFO Canada or the relevant Nigerian Trade Support Institution before assuming that registration provides access to funding.