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NASME Advocates 5-Year Tax Amnesty for MSMEs

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Federal government has been urged to grant five-year tax amnesty to the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country as a means to galvanise them, especially into aligning the small businesses with the formal sector tax related matters.

The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), made the call as part of its advocacy and mediation drives to broker compromise between the government and the MSMEs, especially on taxation.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nigeria in collaboration with Deloitte, with the support of Enhancing Nigerian Advocacy for a Better Business Environment (ENABLE), on Thursday officially released an advocacy paper targeted at proffering a better tax framework for the MSME sector of the Nigerian economy.

According to NASME, statistics shows that Nigeria has currently has over 35 million small business, who account for 90% of job creation, contributing about 50% of the economic growth, regrettably, the sector are heavily taxed and allowed to grapple with multifaceted challenges.

The informal economy or grey economy which is usually regarded as part of the economy that is neither taxed, nor monitored by any form of government, the experts said, deserves to be treated fairly and included into the activities of the formal sector economy.

Speaking during public presentation of Tax Advocacy Paper aimed at MSMEs in Nigeria, a work executed by Deloitte Nigeria on behalf of NASME, Fatai Folarin, chief executive officer of Deloitte Nigeria, said in spite of government’s efforts and the clout garnered by MSMEs, MSMEs have not performed creditably well and hence have not played the expected vital and vibrant role in the economic growth and development of Nigeria.

He said the report findings show an existing or perceived disconnect between policy intent and the realities of MSMEs.

“The need to bridge the gap between policy intent and MSME reality has necessitated this position paper. The drivers for this position paper are: Encouraging interaction and adoption of a concerted approach to issue of strategic importance to the development of MSMEs in Nigeria; Establishing a frame work that ensures effective realization of government objectives and targets for MSMEs; and Creating an active platform for policy advocacy on issues affecting MSMEs in Nigeria”.

The Tax Advocacy paper focuses on key objectives as the challenges faced by MSMEs in Nigeria; bridging tax and regulatory gaps in relation to MSMEs – Our Recommendations and benefits to the government.

Also speaking, Oluseye Arowolo, partner, Tax & Regulatory at Deloitte Nigeria, said that the executive summary of the paper, it has clearer, “apart from where the policy defined MSMEs, the policy does not specifically address nor differentiate the needs of each segment, which is principally the disconnect that needs to be addressed”.

He said, “Each category of MSME has its own peculiar characteristics and problems which require targeted policies to address them. If you look overview of MSMEs in Nigeria, the country’s economy is largely driven by MSMEs with 96% of Nigerian businesses falling under this category; The MSME sector accounted for 84.02% of the total labour force in Nigeria in 2013; MSMEs contribution to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product in nominal terms stood at 48.47% in 2013; MSMEs contribution to export stood at 7.27% in 2013 and MSMEs, the world over are said to generate about 90% of employment in the private sector. So, we started work on this position paper about two years ago. Since then so many things have changed, however, there are current events in the country that show the releasing of this position paper is apt and should be adopted by the Government to cater for this segment of the economy,” Arowolo said.

The document jointly presented by NASME, Deloitte and ENABLE identifies that currently, only about 27.7% of registered businesses in Nigeria pay taxes out of the recorded number of 450,000; MSMEs account for a significant portion of the remaining 72.3%, hence “an improved tax and regulatory framework will result into widened tax net to accommodate these MSMEs as a result of the VDP and simplified tax registration process”.

“If the Total tax revenue generated by the revenue authorities in 2015 was N3.7bn; The target tax collection in 2015 was N4.6bn, government granting MSME requests will encourage the level of compliance and consequently, more revenue generation. For instance, unemployment rate and GDP in the 1st quarter of 2016 are recorded at 12.1% and -13.7% respectively. Enactment of preferential tax rules and other tax incentives requested will boost investment and encourage more players in the sector. Consequently, increased employment, more goods being produced for export and increased GDP,” he said.

The Partner, Tax & Regulatory at Deloitte Nigeria added that the paper recommends for the Government to have special MSME tax regime “where MSMEs will not be assessed under the provision of either PITA or CITA, but on a new tax and regulatory framework dedicated to MSME in clear and definite terms”.

To this end, Prince ‘Degun Agboade, president/chairman of Council of NASME thanked Deloitte for executing the work seamlessly, adding that the findings are critical to the members.

According to Agboade, MSMEs in Nigeria today are faced with challenges ranging from “Government’s perceived lack of sensitivity; Rigid and stringent requirements for start-up business; Over-regulation; Insufficient access to funds/finance and lack of awareness; Inefficiency in the administration of government’s incentives; Multiple and high taxes, among others.

He said, “In a situation you present you bankers with collateral worth N200million and they say you can only borrow N12million, whereas N50million was approved for you, does it augur well for such manufacturers? Manufacturers are going through turbulent times especially in sourcing for funds, and tax system is not harmonised. We want the Government to look into this. So, the call for tax amnesty is justified, because it is going to inject life into the MSMEs and help the government to increase tax earnings”.  

Nodding in agreement, Ladi Jemi-Alade, zonal vice president, South-West at NASME said reiterated that “MSMEs are able to manufacture products up to international standards for export which will boost foreign trade, and increased innovation and technology as MSMEs tend to be major drivers of innovation while achievement of wider socio-economic goals such as poverty alleviation”.

“That is why we are saying 5-year tax amnesty for the MSMEs will bring about a programme for voluntary disclosure of records. For instance, most companies are indebted to Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the FIRS, because the penalties are stringent. So, companies need help. They need to be granted amnesty to voluntarily disclose their records and the inequalities in the tax system must be addressed”.

He said that stakeholders’ view is that the current disconnect in policy and the reality of MSMEs must be eliminated through appropriate combination of options, expressing their desire “to assist government to appreciate expectations from the MSME sector has necessitated the preparation of this sector-wide position paper. Stakeholders within the MSME sector through NASME are prepared to engage and dialogue further with Government at all levels”.

Also, Kevin Conroy, team leader, Enhancing Nigerian Advocacy for a Better Business Environment (ENABLE), expressed confidence that if implemented, provisions in the paper will help to unleash the potential of MSME for the benefit of Nigeria’s economy.

He said that is has become imperative for government to revisit its approach to the challenges of the MSME sector, particularly by reducing the tax burdens on small businesses.

 

 


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AXA Mansard Empowers Female SMEs with Financial, Digital Skills

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AXA Mansard, a member of AXA has empowered 200 female Small and Medium Enterprises with financial literacy and digital business skills.

In collaboration with SME 100 Africa, the two-day training, which was held in Lagos, is part of AXA’s lined-up programmes to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

Speaking, Olusesan Ogunyooye, Head of Marketing AXA Mansard, said the training was aimed to empower female SME owners with skills to improve business output and position them for the increasing economic opportunities available in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Ogunyooye noted that the move was in line with AXA Mansard’s sustainability agenda, explaining that the company was convinced that support for women through its inclusive protection programmes was pivotal to its purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters and its mission of moving from being a payer to a partner.

He further said that focusing on digital skills was important because the company realised the importance of digital skills to the growth of the SME sector in Nigeria and wants to ensure that women were empowered enough to be a consequential part of that growth.

“It’s almost trite to say that SMEs are the engine for economic growth, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where over 45 million adults are business owners. What needs to be continually discussed is how Nigeria is going to unlock that potential for economic development and how much of that potential will be unlocked by women and for women.”

“For us at AXA Mansard, we are aware that digital will play a major role in unlocking these current opportunities and Nigeria’s economic future. So, to ensure that women are equally represented in unlocking these future potentials, that’s why we have collaborated with SME 100 Africa to support them in developing the required skills”.

“Our choice of digital and financial literacy skills is deliberate. We understand the power of the duo. We understand that helping these SMEs with the skills to attract more customers will be a faster means to empower them.

“We see that they have amazing products and services, but they need to understand how to attract value for themselves by attracting the right customers, and you will agree with me that virtually all customer segments are online in one way or another today.

“So, if we can empower them with digital business skills, we would have helped them with the heavy lifting of trying to find and attract customers”. Ogunyooye explained.

According to him, AXA Mansard believes that for the world to experience progress truly, there must be an equitable distribution of creation and access to opportunities for men and women. This quest for balance informed the SHE for Shield initiative, a women-centred inclusive protection programme of AXA Mansard.

SHE for Shield is a group of initiatives designed for the Nigerian woman. The goal is to see them grow, add value, and help them mitigate risks at every step.

According to the company, research has found that access to health care is one of the most important things to Nigerian women, regardless of their economic segment. They desire to be financially independent, secure, and respected in the community.

 


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IFC Invests in New 4DX Ventures Fund to Support Tech Startups in Africa

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IFC is investing $10.5 million in a new fund by 4DX Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage African technology companies across a broad set of sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, edtech, climate tech, and health tech.

IFC’s investment in 4DX Ventures Fund III will come from IFC’s $225 million venture capital platform, which was launched last year to strengthen emerging VC ecosystems and invest in early-stage companies in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pakistan.

Africa is among the regions least served by venture capital, receiving just 2% of global venture deal volume in the third quarter of 2023. Access to capital on the continent has been further exacerbated by a slowdown in global venture capital investment.

Tech ecosystems are nascent, or even nonexistent, outside of more established markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.

“IFC and 4DX Ventures share the commitment to supporting tech entrepreneurs with innovations that will help Africa leapfrog in critical areas such as climate, health care, fintech, e-commerce, and education,” said Walter Baddoo, Co-Founder and General Partner of 4DX Ventures.

“We look forward to partnering with IFC to help promising tech startups build transformative businesses and realize sustainable development impact on the continent.”

4DX’s new fund will invest in companies with tech solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness across Africa. The firm’s first two funds invested in companies such as Egypt-based e-commerce platform MaxAB, an IFC portfolio company; Ghana-based health tech firm mPharma; and Kenya-based B2B e-commerce platform Wasoko, formerly known as Sokowatch.

“By supporting the development of tech ecosystems in emerging markets, IFC’s venture capital platform aims to improve access to key services, boost business competitiveness, and promote job creation through digital transformation,” said Mohamed Gouled, Vice President of Industries at IFC.

“Our investment in venture funds such as 4DX Ventures will help African entrepreneurs access more financing and resources they need to scale tech innovations and bolster sustainable growth across the continent.

In addition to providing capital, IFC will work with 4DX Ventures to implement their environmental and social management system.


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Climate Action Africa Announces CAAF24

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Climate Action Africa (CAA) has announced the inaugural convening of the Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF24). This international event brings together stakeholders from across the world who drive thought leadership insights on how to encourage collaboration, catalyse actionable solutions, and urge governments, businesses, and individuals to invest in climate-smart initiatives.

The climate-focused event was announced at last week’s Friday international press conference held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja. This marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards a sustainable future. A precursor to the upcoming Climate Action Africa Forum scheduled for June 17-19, 2024, at the Landmark Events Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, this press conference brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe. The gathering’s main goal was to discuss the urgent need for sustainable development plans and climate-smart investments in Africa.

Framed by the theme “Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate-Smart Development,” the international press conference became a vibrant platform for insightful discussions, strategic collaborations, and impactful engagements. It convened an esteemed gathering of leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore solutions for Africa’s pressing environmental challenges.

The event kicked off with a welcome address by the Executive Director and Co-founder of Climate Action Africa, Grace Mbah, who having announced the commencement of event registration as April 2nd, 2024, made the call for tech-driven solutions and innovations in the fields of emissions reduction, transportation, agriculture, energy, circularity and building and construction to apply to participate in the deal room.

Providing insights to attendees on how innovative approaches and collaborative action is at the heart of CAAF24, she extended an opportunity to like minded organisations who would like to partner by hosting side events and finally, a call for volunteers from across the continent.

“It’s no news that the world stands at a critical juncture, where decisive action is imperative to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. Against this backdrop, CAAF24 serves as a pivotal platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discourse, and forge collaborative pathways towards a greener, more sustainable future.

The essence of CAAF lies in its commitment to shaping a climate-resilient Africa through co-creation, innovation, and sustainable investment. Through this initiative, we aim to catalyse solutions that enhance the sustainability and prosperity of the continent’s natural resources, people, and economies,” Grace stated.

During the International Press Conference, distinguished speakers and thought leaders emphasised the urgent need for collective action in tackling Africa’s climate challenges.

They delved into critical topics like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate finance, offering practical insights and inspiring initiatives.

Jummai Vandu, representing the National Council on Climate Change, expressed optimism about the initiative’s outcomes. “Today’s discussions,” she said, “underscore the urgency of our collective efforts to combat climate change. The National Council believes working together is key to driving meaningful action and creating a more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.”

With the International Press Conference complete, the stage is set for CAAF24. Stakeholders will converge to translate ideas into action, forge partnerships, and drive progress towards a climate-smart Africa.

Mrs. Taiwo Fashipe, Head of Media for the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi), echoed similar sentiments, stating: “The theme of this year’s Climate Action Africa Forum aligns with our goals, vision, and mission at the Presidential CNG Initiative.

“We look forward to using this platform to advance interest in and investment in greener and cleaner energy sources like CNG.”

Standing at a crucial juncture in Africa’s quest for sustainable development, CAAF24, convened by Climate Action Africa in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change, Channels Media Group, and Founder Institute, emerges as a beacon.

It brings together the private and public sectors, guiding the continent towards a future marked by resilience, prosperity, and environmental stewardship.

 


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