2020 Archives - PDF II: Resources

Lifting 100 Million Nigerians out of Poverty

The Policy Development Facility Bridge programme’s Trade Policy Workstream (TRD) has been supporting the growth of the non-oil export sector since its predecessor programme Policy Development Facility II (PDF II) by enabling underrepresented export-oriented voices in economic policy and strengthening the sustainable participation of exporter groups.

One of the many ways TRD is addressing this is through an innovative trade mentorship programme. The programme is connecting non-oil export potentials with experienced mentors who have practical regulatory, sourcing, shipping, marketing, and export financing knowledge. The mentors will handhold the mentees helping them escape the initial pitfalls that plague inexperienced exporters. The programme began on November 18, 2020 and currently has 7 mentors and 17 active mentees.

PDF Bridge Advisors leveraged evidence from research conducted by PDF Bridge in contributing to the development of an Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) which focuses on a post-covid19 economy recovery targeting retention of existing jobs, creating new jobs, levering digital skills to export services, and advocating for interventions which seek to de-risk the environment.

ANALYSIS AND IMPACT OF THE EXPORT EXPANSION GRANT ON EXPORT POTENTIAL, MARKET ACCESS AND EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS IN NIGERIA

Continuous and consistent implementation of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) has been identified as crucial to the diversification agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN). Despite its importance, however, the programme has experienced various implementation challenges and, at least, three suspensions since inception. The aim of this study is to provide evidence-based information on EEG implementation to guide relevant stakeholders to reform and reposition the scheme for greater effectiveness. The study aims to specifically analyse the impact of the grant on the beneficiaries prior to suspension in 2013 and the post-suspension implementation from 2017. It also investigates the challenges faced by beneficiaries in their attempts to access the grant. The study applied both primary through survey and secondary data through desk review to address the set objectives of the study. The survey was conducted through three methods: (i) administration of questionnaires, (ii) Key informant interviews (KII), and (iii) focused group discussions (FGD).

Analysis of Potentials of Nigeria’s Services Sector for Economic Diversification, Employment, and Foreign Trade

Africa’s contribution to global trade in services is little with slow growth despite rapid globalisation and liberalisation. The continent’s intra – African trade in services is also relatively little. Nigeria’s services sector contribution to its GDP is huge, representing 55.8 per cent in 2017. It recorded a growth rate of 1.83percent in 2018. Hence, the services sector possesses the immense potential to promote diversification, employment, and growth, even without a current holistic services sector policy. This study specifically mapped and profiled key services sectors; reviewed domestic regulations relating to services; estimated the current and future potentials for export, and provided associated recommendations.

Report on Non-oil Export Capacity Building Series

The Trade Policy Work Stream started out by conducting a needs assessment to get direct feedback from export-oriented MSMEs, export-supporting government institutions, and export business service providers to ascertain the capacity gaps. The top 5 challenges highlighted by the respondents include lack of market linkages, lack of finance, lack of market intelligence, limited knowledge of destination country requirements, and Export documentation.

Respondents were further asked about what they would like to see if there is an opportunity for assistance with capacity building for export readiness and export market access. Each responded provided its top 3 areas of preference for capacity building. The findings from the overall assessment provided a guide on areas to address.

In response to their needs, TRD workstream designed a targeted capacity building for the non-oil export community of practice to address the knowledge and skill gaps through a 4-part Export Capacity Building (CB) Series.

Diversification and Non-Oil Export Opportunities for Nigeria States Post-COVID19

This report presents a market analysis of the 22 identified products of the Zero-oil initiative providing a comprehensive analysis on the export potentials, key markets, existing value chain, and quality requirements of six (6) key products namely; Soya, sugar, rubber, leather, cocoa beans, and ginder.

AfCFTA Ratification Study

This study was commissioned by the PDF Bridge Programme with a specific term of reference for use by the Beneficiary, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI). It is expected that this report will provide current and actionable recommendations that will support FMITI on the AfCFTA ratification process and enhance its preparedness for implementation.

PDF Bridge Monthly Newsletter – Eighth Edition

This edition of the Bridge Digest highlights PDF Bridge support to the National Trade Facilitation Committee and the OAuGF towards improved AFROSAI-E ratings. Read about our semi-formal event that took place in Sheraton Hotel, Knowledge Management Network Lunch meeting, our Trade Mentorship programme and other insightful events.

Strengthening the structure of Trade Associations in the Non-oil Export sector for better Governance and Leadership.

This is a presentation from the second day of the Trade Associations capacity building titled – Strengthening the structure of Trade Associations in the Non-oil Export sector for better Governance and Leadership. It covers Member Relations & Communication, Advocacy and Stakeholder Management, Fundraising & Financial Management as well as Leadership & Corporate Governance.

Resource Materials (4-Part Training)

The Trade Policy Work Stream conducted a needs assessment to get direct feedback from export-oriented MSMEs, export-supporting government institutions, and export business service providers to ascertain the capacity gaps. The top 5 challenges highlighted by the respondents include lack of market linkages, lack of finance, lack of market intelligence, limited knowledge of destination country requirements, and Export documentation.

Market Entry strategies (with case studies: Europe (EU), US, China)
Raising Finance for Your Export Business
Understanding Export Documentation
Branding and Packaging for export

A Roundtable on the Export Expansion Grant

Export Expansion Grant (EEG) was established under the Export Incentives and Miscellaneous Decrees of 1986 and amended into an Act in 1992 to accomplish the diversification agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN). Other export support funds created under the same Act are the Export Development Fund (EDF) and Export Adjustment Scheme Fund (EASF). The funds have been repositioned in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of 2017-2020. The EEG is a post-shipment incentive scheme aimed to achieve three key objectives: (i) to enable exporters to expand their businesses more conveniently, (ii) make Nigeria’s non-oil export more competitive, and (iii) facilitate greater and faster foreign market penetration.

PDF II (now PDF Bridge)’s Trade Policy Workstream funded a study on “Analysis and Impact of the Export Expansion Grant on Export Potential, Market Access and Export Competitiveness in Nigeria”. This policy roundtable discussed the findings and recommendations from this study.