Nigeria is preparing to host the 4th African Union MSME Forum in Abuja, with a spotlight on innovation, market accessibility, and financing solutions.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the formation of an Oversight Committee tasked with organizing the country’s hosting of the 4th African Union Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum, scheduled to take place from June 23 to 27 in Abuja.
The 2025 edition of the Forum carries the theme: “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa.”
According to a statement released Wednesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Media Assistant to the Vice President, the Committee is responsible for ensuring thorough planning to guarantee the Forum’s success. Key activities will include academic paper presentations, panel discussions, sponsored side events, exhibitions, networking sessions, business pitch competitions, and prize presentations to outstanding Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The Committee will be chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President). Committee members include Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh.
Additional members comprise Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni; Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs. Aisha Rimi; Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi; Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji; MD/CEO of NEXIM Bank, Mr. Abba Bello; Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii; President of NACCIMA, Dele Kelvin Oye, Esq; and Deputy Director (African Union Division), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anthony N. Alonwu.
Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs (Office of the Vice President), will serve as both the Host Country Coordinator and Secretary of the Committee.
The AU MSME Forum, established by the African Union Commission (AUC) as an annual platform, aims to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, foster intra-African value chains, and boost regional trade across the continent.
The forum’s hosting responsibilities are rotated among AU member states. Since its inception in 2022, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia have hosted the previous three editions.
