The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa through digital innovation, market access and affordable financing, as it prepares to host the 4th African Union (AU) MSME Forum in Abuja from June 23 to 27, 2025.
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, speaking at the inauguration of the event’s oversight committee recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighted the administration’s bold strides in building digital highways and bridges designed to elevate MSMEs into the heart of the African market.
“Over 83 percent of employment in Africa lies within the informal economy, but the continent is rich with ideas and digital innovation that can position us competitively on the global stage,” Shettima remarked.
According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President, Shettima emphasized the significance of initiatives like the i-DICE Programme — a $617.7 million investment in digital and creative enterprises — and the 3 Million Tech Talent Programme, which is training Nigerian youths in coding, data science and digital fluency to fuel the nation’s digital transformation.
Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and chairman of the organising committee, stated that the forum would offer a vital platform for MSME stakeholders to exchange ideas and forge partnerships that drive sustainable development across Africa.
“The forum’s theme, ‘Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access, and Affordable Financing for Africa,’ resonates with the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to empower entrepreneurs and MSMEs nationwide,” Hadejia noted.
Other key committee members expressed strong support for the event. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, said Nigeria’s hosting of the forum demonstrates growing international confidence in the nation’s economic leadership.
Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, who serves as committee secretary, assured that preparations are underway to deliver a world-class event reflecting Nigeria’s dedication to MSME development.
Representing Lagos State — home to nearly 70% of Nigeria’s MSMEs — Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, announced ongoing initiatives to improve funding access, including the N10 billion Lagos State–Bank of Industry MSME Access to Finance Scheme (LASMECO).
States including Benue, Imo, Enugu, Katsina and Ekiti are actively participating in the event’s sub-committees, further reinforcing nationwide collaboration.
Also pledging their commitment were the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi; Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji; and Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii. They noted the forum’s anticipated positive impact on local MSMEs and Nigeria’s broader economy.
The event’s oversight committee features high-profile stakeholders including Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa; Executive Director of NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni; Executive Secretary of NIPC, Mrs. Aisha Rimi; CEO of NEXIM Bank, Mr. Abba Bello; and President of NACCIMA, Mr. Dele Oye.
The AU MSME Forum is expected to attract leading MSME experts, policymakers, innovators, and financial institutions, creating fresh opportunities for small businesses to scale, export and digitally transform across Africa.
