Nigeria is emerging as a driving force in global entrepreneurship, with over ₦1.3 trillion now channelled into small businesses through the Bank of Industry. The massive investment underscores the nation’s bold strategy to transform its economic landscape by empowering millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that anchor its workforce.
At the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis, Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, reaffirmed Nigeria’s ambition to lead an entrepreneurship-driven industrial revolution. Speaking to global innovation leaders, Enoh emphasized that the country’s future lies in its 39 million small businesses—responsible for more than 80% of all employment nationwide.
Beyond financial support, Nigeria’s approach focuses on building a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem. Initiatives such as the Nigeria Startup Act, solar-powered innovation centres, and the Syndicated De-risked Loan Scheme are reshaping the way startups grow and compete. The government’s efforts have already propelled Nigerian companies like Flutterwave to global prominence, showcasing how smart regulation and creativity can turn local ventures into billion-dollar enterprises.
Nigeria’s participation at the Congress also opened doors to new international collaborations, with the delegation holding strategic talks with institutions like the OECD and UNCTAD. These discussions aim to strengthen innovation policies, improve SME competitiveness, and expand access to international investment.
By forging partnerships across continents—from Brazil to Indonesia—Nigeria is asserting its leadership in defining Africa’s role in the global entrepreneurial landscape. The message from the Tinubu administration is clear: Nigeria is not waiting for the future of innovation—it is building it.
