TFO Canada Launches TRISEG Initiative to Advance Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth for SMEs in Developing Countries
Abuja ,8th October 2026
TFO Canada is proud to announce the launch of Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth (TRISEG) in Nigeria(insert country), in partnership with Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry(insert TSI name). TRISEG is a five-year initiative (2025–2030) designed to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and contribute to sustainable economic growth in 16 developing and least developed countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, TRISEG will work with Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) and other stakeholders in participating countries to strengthen their capacity to support SMEs, particularly businesses owned or led by women and under-represented groups. The initiative will help SMEs overcome barriers to growth and internationalization through capacity building, export-readiness support, digitalization, access to finance, and climate resilience.
To mark the launch, TFO Canada staff has traveled to Abuja, Nigeria(insert country) to meet with key stakeholders and introduce the TRISEG initiative to local partners on 8th October 2026(insert workshop date). Launch activities brought together representatives from Trade Support Institutions, government agencies, private-sector organizations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders involved in supporting SME development and international trade. These engagements provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s objectives, identify areas for collaboration, and establish the partnerships needed to support SMEs throughout the five-year initiative.
“TFO Canada is proud to support small and medium enterprises in (insert country name) Nigeria to strengthen their export readiness and access new opportunities in foreign markets – turning market access into sustainable economic growth. The TRISEG project reflects the ongoing partnership we’ve enjoyed over the years with Nigeria (insert country name – e.g. Ethiopian) institutions, as well as our funding partner – Global Affairs Canada.” — Steve Tipman, Executive Director, TFO Canada.
The project will strengthen the capacity of TSIs to provide gender-responsive services and practical support to SMEs, including market intelligence, business coaching, export development, digital strategies, and connections with Canadian and international buyers.
A key component of TRISEG will be its focus on environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Through a dedicated SME Climate Resilience Fund (SME CRF), the project will provide small grants to SMEs that are led/owned by women and other under-represented groups for the provision of technical assistance, digital resources, capacity building, and training. The SME CRF will also support the development of investment plans for improving environmental sustainability and climate resilience of selected SMEs.
TRISEG will target 200 SMEs in Nigeria(insert country), 67% of which will be owned or led by women and under-represented groups. In total, TRISEG will target 3,200 SMEs, including 2,133 SMEs owned or led by women and under-represented groups. The initiative will be implemented across 16 countries:
Africa: Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia
Asia: Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam
Latin America and the Caribbean: Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Peru.
In addition to direct support to targeted SMEs, TFO Canada will provide up-to-date trade information through its online platform, with an expected reach of more than 5,550 SME beneficiaries from the participating countries.
More about TFO Canada
Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to catalyze economic growth through sustainable and inclusive trade partnerships for Small and Medium Enterprises in developing countries. TFO Canada assists SMEs and Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) from developing countries to access Canadian and international markets through information, advice, and contact services.
Since 1980, TFO Canada’s internationally experienced project staff and sectoral experts have provided trade promotion and capacity-building services to tens of thousands of SMEs and Trade Support Institutions/Trade Promotion Organizations across Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
About Global Affairs Canada
Global Affairs Canada manages Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations, promotes international trade, and leads Canada’s international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance. The department works to advance Canada’s interests and values internationally and contributes to a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
TRISEG is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
