Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company, has entered into a partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to strengthen cybersecurity knowledge among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deliver training programmes, information sharing, and awareness initiatives aimed at making Nigerian businesses more cyber-aware and resilient against emerging digital threats.

Chris Norton, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Kaspersky, says SMEs are increasingly vulnerable to cybercriminals who deploy malware, phishing, and social engineering tactics that often appear convincing.

“Many now operate WhatsApp shops, use online banking, and send invoices via email, which has increased their exposure to cyber risks. Together with Kaspersky, we intend to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and practices across Nigeria, helping SMEs protect their businesses as they embrace the digital economy,” Odii says.

“Small and medium business owners are juggling a dozen things – accounting, promotion, legal issues. They are not cybersecurity experts. But they are being targeted by cybercriminals. Our aim is to provide these organisations with some best practice tools and inform about measures that will help them stay safer online,” Norton says.

Charles Odii, Director-General and CEO of SMEDAN, highlights that the rise of digital adoption since the COVID-19 pandemic has increased exposure of SMEs to cyber risks.

“Many now operate WhatsApp shops, use online banking, and send invoices via email, which has increased their exposure to cyber risks. Together with Kaspersky, we intend to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and practices across Nigeria, helping SMEs protect their businesses as they embrace the digital economy,” Odii says.

SMEDAN, a government agency at the forefront of supporting small businesses across sectors and regions, sees the collaboration as an opportunity to integrate cybersecurity guidance into its wider development programmes. For Kaspersky, the partnership aligns with its Africa-wide strategy to support under-resourced sectors increasingly targeted by online threats.