Nigeria Hosts 4th AU MSME Forum to Boost Small Businesses
Delegates from over 50 African countries are gathering in Abuja from June 23–27, 2025 , for the 4th African Union Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum .
The event will focus on:
- Expanding access to loans for small businesses
- Accelerating digital transformation
- Strengthening market access across Africa
It aims to build stronger economic ties among African nations through small business development.
Forum Aims to Empower Entrepreneurs Across Africa
Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia , Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), said the forum’s main goal is to empower MSMEs and boost intra-African trade .
“We want to create policies that help small businesses grow,” he said.
He also urged Nigerian entrepreneurs and stakeholders to use the forum to build partnerships and explore new investment opportunities.
Tinubu Showcases Economic Reforms
Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris , said hosting the forum shows Nigeria is open for business again.
“This is one of our first steps toward opening up the economy to the world.”
He added that the event supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda , which includes job creation and support for small businesses.
Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa , said the forum aligns with the government’s push to rebrand Nigeria through initiatives like Destination Nigeria .
She expressed hope that the event would improve policy frameworks for tourism and creative enterprises.
MSME Awards to Recognise Outstanding Entrepreneurs
Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson , Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, said the forum will include:
- High-level paper presentations
- Panel discussions
- Fireside chats
- Tech and innovation showcases
- Product exhibitions
- Networking sessions
A major highlight will be the MSME Awards , where top-performing entrepreneurs will receive:
- Cash prizes
- Houses
- Stores
“This is about recognizing the people who drive our economy,” Adekunle-Johnson said.
Organisations Pledge Support for Successful Hosting
Key institutions backing the event include:
- SMEDAN – led by Mr. Charles Odii
- NEXIM Bank – represented by Mr. Abba Bello
- NEPC – led by Mrs. Nonye Ayeni
Each pledged full support to ensure the forum meets its goals and boosts small business growth across Africa.
Event Schedule
- June 23 : Opening ceremony at the State House Banquet Hall
- June 24–26 : Technical meetings and product exhibition at the Abuja Continental Hotel
- June 27 : Grand finale and MSME Awards at the State House Banquet Hall
Call to Action: Share Your Thoughts!
Do you think this forum will truly help Nigerian entrepreneurs? What more should be done to support small businesses?
💬 Leave a comment below and join the conversation on how Nigeria can better support MSMEs.
📢 Don’t forget to share this article to spread awareness about the AU MSME Forum and Nigeria’s economic plans.
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