The Edo State Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment (MBTI) has entered into a strategic export-focused partnership with DHL to train at least 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State on international trade at the forthcoming DHL GoTrade SME Forum.
The initiative is aimed at equipping SMEs with practical knowledge on export logistics, packaging standards, customs documentation, and market access strategies. It is also expected to support the goals of decent work and economic growth in the state.
The Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Hon. Omoh Anabor, disclosed this while receiving the Benin City Station Managers of DHL, Mr. John Mokwunye and Mr. Nuhu Omokide, who visited the ministry to discuss modalities for collaboration.
Hon. Anabor said the proposal aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s five-point SHINE Agenda and the state government’s commitment to strengthening small businesses and expanding economic opportunities. He assured that the ministry would facilitate the mobilisation of credible and duly registered SMEs from its database to participate in the training programme.
He added that the partnership would expose Edo entrepreneurs to global markets, stimulate job creation, boost foreign exchange inflows, and drive sustainable economic growth in the state. The Commissioner also stressed the need to maintain competitive logistics costs to ensure that Edo-made products remain viable in international markets.
Speaking earlier, the Station Manager of DHL’s Open Athletic Circle, Benin City, Mr. John Mokwunye, said the one-day DHL GoTrade SME Forum, scheduled for February 24, 2026, would equip participants with the technical expertise required to navigate international trade procedures.
He observed that many Edo-based producers of leather footwear, garments, cosmetics, agricultural produce, and artworks have strong export potential but lack the knowledge needed to scale globally.
Mokwunye further disclosed that DHL has introduced discounted e-commerce tariffs ranging from 45 to 60 per cent to make exports more competitive. He added that the company is willing to subsidise logistics rates for selected beneficiaries after the training to ensure sustainability.
He revealed that DHL teams from South Africa and Ghana would collaborate with the Nigerian office to ensure the success of the programme. Mokwunye also recalled that similar programmes were organised across nine states in partnership with GIZ, with significant impact recorded among participating SMEs.
