Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive steps to build digital infrastructure that will propel Nigerian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into the heart of Africa's single market.
He made this known in Abuja on Monday while inaugurating the oversight committee approved by President Tinubu to coordinate Nigeria's hosting of the 4th African Union (AU) MSME Forum, scheduled for June 23 to 27, 2025, in Abuja.
According to Shettima, while over 83% of employment in Africa lies in the informal economy, the continent is not lacking in ideas or innovation. With digital tools and policies now in place, African MSMEs are better positioned to compete globally.
Highlighting recent government efforts, the Vice President said Nigeria chaired the AfCFTA Negotiating Forum and has aligned its policies on investment, digital trade, and competition to ensure effective participation in the continental free trade agreement.
To further strengthen Nigeria's digital trade position, he noted the establishment of a Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk, which will support entrepreneurs in exporting digital goods and services across African borders.
Shettima also referenced Nigeria's i-DICE programme, a $617.7 million initiative targeting digital and creative businesses, and the 3 Million Tech Talent programme, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with in-demand skills such as coding and data science.
"We have reformed. We have invested. And we are resolved to see this transformation through. But none of us can achieve this in isolation. That is why this forum is not just important—it is indispensable," Shettima declared.
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Forum to Serve as Launchpad for MSME Growth
Chairman of the committee and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, described the AU forum as a strategic platform for sharing knowledge, facilitating collaboration, and addressing MSME challenges across Africa.
The theme of the forum, "Building Resilient MSMEs Through Digital Innovation, Market Access and Affordable Financing for Africa," is in alignment with the Tinubu administration's support for enterprise development and digital transformation.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, emphasized that Nigeria's selection as host reflects growing international confidence in the country's leadership and commitment to enabling the small business ecosystem.
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, praised the administration's continued prioritization of MSMEs, recognizing their role in national development and GDP growth. He gave assurances that all necessary arrangements would be in place for a successful hosting.
Also speaking, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs—and Secretary of the Committee—pledged a collaborative and results-oriented approach toward organizing a world-class event.
Broad Stakeholder Commitment
Key stakeholders, including Dr. Olasupo Olusi (Managing Director, Bank of Industry), Mr. Zacch Adedeji (Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service), and Mr. Charles Odii (Director-General, SMEDAN), reaffirmed their support for the forum. They expressed confidence that the outcomes would yield significant economic value for Nigerian MSMEs.
Other committee members include:
- Dr. Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment
- Dr. Bosun Tijani – Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
- Barr. Hannatu Musawa – Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy
- Mrs. Nonye Ayeni – Executive Director, NEPC
- Mrs. Aisha Rimi – Executive Secretary, NIPC
- Mr. Abba Bello – CEO, NEXIM Bank
- Mr. Dele Oye – President, NACCIMA
With high-level government backing and multi-sectoral collaboration, the 4th AU MSME Forum is expected to provide long-term benefits for Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly in market access, innovation, and digital trade integration across Africa.
