Global software giant, IBM recently held a business training in Lagos for 30 young entrepreneurs from various industries, to help tackle lack of management knowledge and skill scarcity which have been pointed as major causes of SME failure.

Nigerian newspaper Punch, reports that the workshop, which was  held in partnership with entrepreneurship trainer, FATE Foundation, had in attendance entrepreneurs running start-ups in internet marketing, printing, events management, furniture making, catering, agriculture, renewable energy, research, healthcare, carpet retailing and market research.

Commenting on the workshop, Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs Leader IBM West Africa,  Ms. Remi Abere said: “IBM is committed to narrowing the skills gap and helping small businesses in Nigeria become more efficient in their operations. This workshop has certainly helped participants to begin to entrench smart initiatives in their respective businesses.”

Ms. Abere added that the training immensely helped to prepare the 30 participants for the competition and business development challenges of their respective sectors.

The Country General Manager, IBM West Africa, Mr. Taiwo Otiti, said the software developer would continue partnering with development partners working in the civil society, West African businesses, academic institutions and non-government sectors.

Otiti said: “We remain very focused on delivering excellent services, tangible benefits and real value added to society and to our current and future clients in West Africa.

“This services grant to young business men and women is one clear evidence of our quest to add value and shore up the capacity of budding entrepreneurs.”

IBM said it used its first service grant in Africa and the Middle East for the training which has exposed the 30 beneficiaries to management and growth strategies. The IBM Services Grants programme is targeted specifically at small business owners in emerging markets.