Nigeria’s vibrant landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will shine at the forefront of economic discussion during the 8th BusinessDay SME 100 Conference & Awards, hosted by BusinessDay Media Limited on December 4, 2025.
This landmark gathering brings together top industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs for an immersive day devoted to strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the celebration of SME excellence. The event’s highlight—a gala night—will pay tribute to Nigeria’s most exceptional emerging businesses.
SMEs: Catalysts of National Growth
SMEs are indispensable to Nigeria’s prosperity, representing nearly half of the country’s GDP and making up almost all registered enterprises. Their impact on employment is staggering, accounting for more than four-fifths of formal jobs nationwide.
Arriving at a decisive juncture—amid economic shifts, inflation, and currency challenges—the 2025 conference underscores how SMEs in non-oil sectors are propelling Nigeria’s transformation. Their adaptability is remarkable, but with the right ecosystem of support, their impact could be exponentially greater. The SME 100 Conference & Awards is designed to galvanize just that.
Celebrating Trailblazers, Igniting Ambition
Since its launch, the SME 100 Awards has spotlighted visionary businesses that drive real change. Notable honorees include Utiva, recognized for closing digital skills gaps in 2022, and Career Xpress, a 2023 recipient empowering young professionals and businesses through digital marketing training. The 2024 awards honored 100 other standout SMEs, collectively demonstrating the vast ingenuity and resilience found across Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spectrum.
Partners in Progress
The 2025 edition is championed by sponsors like Ibile Microfinance Bank, Keystone Bank, and EaziPay—organizations committed to expanding access to finance, capital, and digital payment solutions that help SMEs thrive in competitive markets.
Themes Driving the Agenda
This year’s conference delves into three pivotal areas:
- Funding the Future: Unlocking SME potential through diverse capital sources, from microfinance to digital lending.
- Building Local Value Chains: Empowering SMEs in manufacturing, agriculture, fast-moving consumer goods, and exports to strengthen local economies and curb import reliance.
- Accelerating Digital Transformation: Promoting fintech, e-commerce, and digital innovation to boost productivity and enable scalable growth.
The awards gala will honor 100 SMEs demonstrating outstanding innovation, growth, and social impact, measured by revenue, job creation, market reach, and community value.
Beyond Accolades: The Ripple Effect
With SMEs responsible for the majority of formal employment, nurturing their growth addresses critical issues like job creation and economic diversification. Strengthening these businesses ensures more value stays within Nigeria, supports regional development, and fosters inclusive prosperity across communities.
As one industry expert put it, SMEs fuel the nation’s progress—but need recognition, capital, and enabling policies to reach their full potential.
A Blueprint for the Next Decade
The SME 100 Conference & Awards is a catalyst—not just for celebration, but for tangible action. It’s where strategies are forged, collaborations are sparked, and tomorrow’s economic leaders emerge. As Nigeria looks to a future beyond oil, the SMEs honored here may well define the country’s next chapter, driving sustainable jobs, innovation, and locally rooted growth.
