AFDB Franchise Workshop Makes a Huge Impact in Nigeria by Demola Quadri
The Private Sector Department of the African Development Bank (AFDB) held a six-day seminar at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Monday, October 25 through Saturday, October 30, 2010. The seminar was part of AFDB's capacity development initiative for franchise development in Africa.
Titled "Understanding Franchising as a Business Development Strategy and Recipe for SME Sector in Nigeria," the seminar was conducted by Moyanga, Louw and Associates of South Africa in collaboration with the Nigerian International Franchise Association (NIFA) and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP). It was funded by the Japanese Government through Funds for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA).
The seminar was designed to create awareness and better understanding of the business franchise concept in Nigeria. More than 40 attendees actively participated in the seminar, including representatives of the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, intellectual property law firms, banks, and the government agencies responsible for franchising and licensing regulation, SME development, and job creation.
Participants expressed their satisfaction with the in-depth analysis of franchising principles and best practices provided by speakers and workshop material, which they say will help them make informed decision decisions if they adopt franchising as a business method. Representatives of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN), and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) emphasized the need for continued collaboration between NIFA and the Nigerian government to encourage the rapid development of the Nigeria franchise sector. Franchising is recognized as an important tool for job creation, transfer of know-how and technologies, poverty reduction, and the enhancement of small and medium enterprises.
The new face of franchising in Nigeria includes successful indigenous brands such as Tantalizers, Chicken Republic, Mr. Biggs and new entrant HIIT Franchise. International brands include Kentucky Fried Chicken, Avis Car Rental, Crestcom (Trainers to the World), Fastrackids, Precision Tune Auto Care Center, Signorama, Computer Troubleshooters, WSI - Internet Consulting and Education, NIIT, and Hawthorn Suites.
Seminar speakers and facilitators Mr. Nic Louw (top left) and Peter Moyanga (top right). Second row: Mr. Eugene Honey, head, Intellectual Property Department, Bowman Gilillan Law Firm, South Africa, Mrs. Oyefunke Araba, director, NOTAP. Below: NIFA president Dr. Augustine Egbunike addresses Workshop participants.
John Koffi Baffoe, AFDB Chief Country Economist, Nigeria Field Office, (top left) delivers opening remarks. Top right: Anayo Agu, Senior Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Services, Lagos, moderates seminar proceedings. Below: Seminar participants listen to presentations.
Certificate award ceremony conducted by NIFA president Dr. Augustine Egbunike, Pictured clockwise from top left, participant Oche Obe, Ali Lawan, National Directorate of Employment, Isioma Nwaokobia, Chicken Republic, Ndubuisi Onunwa, Kunech Group Ltd., Shode Olukayode, SMEDAN, Charles Uwagbale, Paymaster Ltd. Others pictured with Ali Lawan are (from left) speaker Peter Moyanga, NIFA vice president, Kayode Shobajo, and Mrs. Idy Imiyoho, NOTAP.
Job well done. Participants pose for a group photograph at end the session. Top photo, in the middle, speaker Thabiso Ramasike, Head of Franchising, Standard Bank, South Africa, poses for a photograph with seminar facilitators Olayinka Babalola (second from left) and Demola Quadri (second from right). Peter Moyanga and Nic Louw join in. Ramasike presented a paper on Financing the Franchise System.
Cocktail reception for speakers and participants at Reeds Restaurant and Lounge, Ikoyi. Pictured (top right) are chief host and notable Nigerian franchisor, Deji Akinyanju, CEO, Chicken Republic, sharing a moment with speaker Peter Moyanga. Second row (in traditional dress) is Mr. Duro Kuteyi, managing director, Spectra Industries Limited. From far right, second row, Kayode Shobajo, CEO, HIIT PLC, Mrs. Idy Imiyoho, deputy director, NOTAP, Demola Quadri, editor, franchisinginnigeria.com. Augustine Egbunike, chairman, Quik Internet, and speaker Nic Louw, AFDB consultant.
