Nigeria will host the 4th edition of the Africa Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum from June 23 to 27, 2025, in Abuja, with a strong focus on digital innovation, affordable financing, and market access for MSMEs across the continent.
The forum, themed "Building resilient MSMEs through digital innovation, market access and affordable financing for Africa," aims to empower small businesses by spotlighting strategic levers that drive growth and sustainability in today's economy.
The event will feature panel discussions, exhibitions, networking sessions, business pitching events, and prize presentations to outstanding Nigerian entrepreneurs. It is expected to attract entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa.
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An Oversight Committee has been approved to ensure successful planning and execution of the forum. It will be chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, with ministers and heads of key MSME-related agencies—including SMEDAN, BOI, NEPC, and NIPC—serving as members.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Nigeria's hosting of the forum reflects a commitment to strengthening the continent's small business ecosystem and advancing intra-African trade through enterprise development.
Since its inception in 2022, the African MSME Forum has been held in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia. It serves as a platform to build stronger MSME value chains and support regional trade integration across Africa.
