Abuja, Nigeria — Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is forging a new digital future designed to carry Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) beyond national borders into the expansive African market.
Speaking at the inauguration of the oversight committee for Nigeria’s hosting of the upcoming 4th African Union MSME Forum, Shettima emphasized that the government is laying “digital bridges and highways” to boost cross-border trade and innovation-driven growth for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The forum is scheduled to take place June 23–27 in Abuja, bringing together stakeholders from across Africa to chart a path for resilient MSME development through technology, financing, and regional integration.
“Africa’s informal economy is a powerhouse, employing over 83% of the population. What we lack in structure, we make up for in innovation,” Shettima said. “We’re building infrastructure—not just roads and power grids—but digital networks that empower small businesses to scale beyond our shores.”
Laying the Groundwork for Pan-African Trade
Highlighting key initiatives under Tinubu’s administration, Shettima noted Nigeria’s leadership in the AfCFTA Negotiating Forum, aligning its investment, competition, and digital trade policies with the continental agreement.
To this end, the government has set up a Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk aimed at helping Nigerian startups and digital entrepreneurs tap into new markets across Africa.
Shettima also pointed to transformational projects like the $617.7 million i-DICE Programme, and the 3 Million Tech Talent Programme, both aimed at upskilling Nigerian youth in digital fields including coding, data science, and AI fluency, thereby equipping them to drive national and continental development.
“We’ve reformed. We’ve invested. And we are committed to seeing this vision through. But we recognize that true transformation can only happen through collaboration. That’s what this forum represents,” he added.
Shaping the Future of MSMEs in Africa
The oversight committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff (Office of the Vice President), is tasked with organizing the event and ensuring its strategic impact on Nigeria’s small business ecosystem.
Hadejia said the summit will offer a dynamic platform for exchange of ideas, cross-border collaboration, and exposure to best practices in MSME development. The theme for the forum—“Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access, and Affordable Financing for Africa”—aligns closely with Nigeria’s economic agenda.
Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, also noted that hosting the forum is a reflection of the growing confidence of other African nations in Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to SME growth.
Supporting this view, Senator John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, expressed appreciation for the government’s prioritization of MSMEs, acknowledging their critical contribution to Nigeria’s GDP and inclusive growth.
All Hands on Deck for MSME Empowerment
The forum has attracted high-level support from across government and industry. Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, assured that preparations are on track to deliver a world-class event that highlights Nigeria’s efforts to uplift small businesses.
Lagos State, home to nearly 70% of Nigeria’s MSMEs, was represented by Commissioner Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, who shared updates on the ₦10 billion LASMECO fund—a joint MSME finance initiative between the state and the Bank of Industry to improve access to credit for entrepreneurs.
In addition to Lagos, states such as Benue, Enugu, Imo, Ekiti, and Katsina are participating in the sub-committees overseeing different aspects of the project.
Stakeholders Align for a Stronger MSME Ecosystem
Top federal agencies have also pledged their support. The Bank of Industry’s MD, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, FIRS Chairman Mr. Zacch Adedeji, and SMEDAN DG Mr. Charles Odii all affirmed their commitment to ensuring the forum drives real outcomes for Nigeria’s MSMEs.
Other committee members include:
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Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
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Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
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Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy
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Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, ED, Nigerian Export Promotion Council
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Mrs. Aisha Rimi, ES, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission
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Mr. Abba Bello, CEO, NEXIM Bank
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Mr. Dele Oye, President, NACCIMA
Together, this collective is working to ensure the forum becomes a catalyst for growth, connectivity, and prosperity for African MSMEs.
