By Adaora Adibe
The Eminent Emerging Entrepreneurs Foundation has approached the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to explore potential collaboration opportunities to access the Global Gateway Grants.
According to the CEO of the Eminent Emerging Entrepreneurs Foundation, Mr. Eberechi Marcus, who led the team to RMRDC, the Global Gateway Grant is an initiative of the European team, stating that it is a highly competitive international funding program that is targeted at providing funding in the vocational education training, to bridge the skill gaps in investment, trade and agriculture value chain.
He explained that the Eminent Emerging Entrepreneurs Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on facilitating inclusive and decent job creation through entrepreneurship, vocational skills, financial literacy training, and policy advocacy, and he believes that partnering with RMRDC will enhance its chances of securing the grant and drive meaningful change in Nigeria.
Mr. Marcus noted that the organization recognizes RMRDC’s critical role in the area of Agricultural value chain, expertise, and reputation in promoting research and development in Nigeria. He said that they once visited the RMRDC Resource Center and were impressed by the many achievements recorded by the council.
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He emphasized that RMRDC involvement will not only strengthen their application but also ensure that the projects align with national priorities and global best practices.
“The project will Promote sustainable development, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, improve livelihoods and economic growth, and enhance social impact in the North East Nigeria where the project is targeted”, he observed.
According to him, The Global Gateway Grant provides funding ranging from €1 to €2 million for selected projects in different thematic areas one of which is agricultural value chain etc. He added that during the annual Emerging Entrepreneurs Summit in the year 2023, the MasterCard foundation was one of the technical partners and is now presently implementing an agro value chain job creation in the North East and has offered to provide technical support to the Eminent Emerging Entrepreneurs Foundation towards accessing the grant.
The Director-General, of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership, he said he only welcomes collaborations that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development for a win-win. He informed the group that their proposal would be reviewed to explore ways to support their application if need be.
He disclosed that both parties will engage in further discussions to finalize the possibility of a partnership and application process.
