The launch of the MABA Wholesale and Retail Store in Lagos has ignited a call for increased market connectivity for African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly focusing on enhancing retail linkages and cross-border cooperation within the continent and beyond. Trade experts and SME owners emphasized the need for strategic interventions from governments, investors, and stakeholders to address the challenges hindering the growth of African product exports, including limited access to funding and weak business structures. The MABA store, conceived as an aggregation and distribution hub, aims to tackle these obstacles by providing a platform for African SMEs to showcase and market their products to larger audiences, bridging the gap between producers and consumers both within Africa and on the global stage.
MABA, led by its founder Flora Mbeledeogu, seeks to address the critical issue of visibility that has long plagued African products in the global marketplace. With the MABA store stocking over 10,000 products from more than 1,000 small-scale manufacturers across 30 African countries, the initiative offers a consolidated and readily accessible avenue for businesses to gain exposure and reach potential buyers. This strategic approach aims to challenge the dominance of foreign brands in major retail outlets and provide African SMEs a much-needed foothold in the fiercely competitive global market. The store is designed to serve not only as a retail space but also as a distribution center, facilitating the movement of goods to larger retailers like Shoprite, Ebeano, and Jendol, as well as export to international markets.
The MABA store focuses exclusively on locally produced products, ranging from agricultural commodities and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) to skincare, body care, and natural food items. This emphasis on local sourcing underscores MABA’s commitment to promoting intra-African trade and reducing reliance on imports. Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes adherence to stringent quality standards, including those set by NAFDAC, ISO, HACCP, and the US FDA, to ensure that the products meet international benchmarks and enhance their competitiveness in the global arena. By focusing on quality and adhering to global standards, MABA aims to build confidence in African-made products and attract foreign buyers, ultimately shifting the narrative surrounding African trade and positioning it as a source of high-quality, globally competitive goods.
Professor Uchenna Uzo, Director of the Africa Retail Academy at Lagos Business School, highlighted the importance of financial support for SMEs, urging governments and financial institutions across Africa to collaborate in developing more effective funding mechanisms. He recognized MABA’s initiative as a significant step towards unlocking market access for African brands, acknowledging that despite producing quality goods, many SMEs struggle to reach consumers due to limited market penetration. Professor Uzo emphasized the need for innovative financial solutions tailored to the specific needs of SMEs, stressing that creative thinking in the financial sector is crucial to fostering business transformation and growth across the continent.
Testimonials from SME operators who have benefited from the MABA initiative underscore the practical impact of its cooperative approach. Business owners like Rita Akpanette of Rimallis Apparels have gained access to valuable partnerships and supply chain linkages within the MABA network, facilitating sourcing of raw materials from within Africa and boosting their export potential. The MABA store provides a physical platform for businesses outside Lagos to showcase their products to a global audience, effectively eliminating the distance and logistical barriers that often hinder their market reach. This collaborative ecosystem fostered by MABA has empowered SMEs to access opportunities, partnerships, and networks that would otherwise be inaccessible, promoting a more inclusive and interconnected business environment.
The MABA store represents a paradigm shift in the African retail landscape, moving beyond small-scale retail towards wholesale-level trading and international exports. The focus on attracting large orders from supermarket chains and international buyers reflects a strategic move towards increased market penetration and global visibility. SME owners view the MABA store as a stepping stone towards accessing global markets and gaining recognition for their products. The initiative not only facilitates sales but also enhances brand visibility and provides opportunities for networking and partnership building. The MABA community, comprising small-scale manufacturers across Africa, is poised to leverage this platform to promote intra-African trade and expand their presence in the global market, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and development of the continent.
