Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) truly cannot do it alone, we are the export we seek.
I always hear of small businesses wanting to start exporting.
Interestingly, some are yet to even grow capacity enough to serve Ibadan not to talk of Lagos, then Nigeria, then Intra-trade and International trade.
I mean, I get it and in fact it’s the right thing to have the end goal in mind or have a bigger market in mind.
Yes, even here at Bellafricana our dream is that one day, every one of our verified members will be selling to consumers globally, but realistically we also say let’s start with more consumers locally and then grow a sustainable brand with global demands.
However, have you ever thought to think that you are the export you seek (wait I am getting somewhere, don’t rush off, keep reading).
When you are travelling out of the country, do you load your box with proudly Made in Nigeria attires, accessories etc asides your food gifts??
Or am I reaching too high? Ok ask yourself this: you Nigerian business owner, footwear brand owner, etc do you patronize other fashion, accessories, lifestyle… brand owners? .
When last did you consciously decide to wear Nigerian?
I am not talking about the buyers here for now, I am talking about you growing a business locally in Nigeria, producing locally etc.
You say you want to make more sales, are you supporting your fellow MSME?
You say NEPC should help you, you want to export because they have a mandate for non oil export?
Do you realise the number of people unrealistically waiting for NEPC??
I always and will always say, at Bellafricana we don’t believe in waiting for the government, we believe in creating ideas that will improve the economy
Then you will see our leaders or MDs travelling out of Nigeria for various reasons suited up, what happened to our proudly Made/sewn in Nigeria attires please?? .
That’s why I respect Mr Olusegun Awolowo a lot, he genuinely wears Nigerian made and I have seen him personally buy from SMEs even if they are willing to dash him their products. As the CEO of NEPC, no not really, he doesn’t have to wear Nigerian attires, but he chooses to.
So today, as a champion of quality creative Indigenous businesses, I challenge you to remember that WE ARE THE EXPORT WE SEEK.
Dear producer, buy from other brands as much as you want to be bought from,
Dear consumers, patronize more Indigenous brands just because you are a #Bellafricanafamily.
Here are some attires and products to buy for your next trip (click image to go to business page);
When travelling, not every time food gifts to take along, sometimes product gifts (click image to page)
Visit www.bellafricana.com for more creative products or check out the instagram page @bell_africana
