Committee Establishment Announced for AU MSME Forum in June, Led by Tinubu
Get ready for Abuja to shine brighter than ever as Nigeria is set to host the 4th African Union (AU) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum! Scheduled for June 23 to 27, 2025, this event will put the spotlight on Nigeria and showcase our commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting MSMEs across Africa.
The primary aim of this forum is to strengthen the MSME ecosystem, enhance intra-African value chains, and speed up regional trade integration. The theme for the 2025 edition is all about empowering MSMEs: "Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa."
To ensure a successful event, an oversight committee will be formed, led by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President). This committee will be packed with influential figures from various economic sectors, including high-ranking officials and industry leaders.
Expect a series of engaging activities, including high-level paper presentations, panel discussions, MSME business pitching competitions, networking opportunities, exhibitions, and sponsored side events. This event will also include the recognition of exceptional Nigerian entrepreneurs with awards.
Some notable committee members include Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & the Creative Economy; and John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment. The Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, will serve as the Host Country Coordinator and secretary for the committee.
With Nigeria joining the ranks of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia, which have successfully organized the previous three editions of this event since its inception, the 2025 edition is expected to draw entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and development partners from across the continent and beyond.
Tinubu's administration has emphasized economic diversification, digital transformation, and improved access to finance for small businesses, making this Forum a perfect platform for Nigeria to showcase its commitment to these goals. Hosting the AU MSME Forum is in line with broaderinitiatives to elevate Nigerian businesses on a continental scale and to enhance intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
So grab your calendars and mark June 23 to 27, 2025, as you won't want to miss this incredible opportunity to learn, network, and celebrate the incredible potential of MSMEs in Africa. Let's make Nigeria shine on the global stage!
Sources:
- “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa”
- 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum
- African Union MSME Forum
- MSME Ecosystem in Africa: Trends and Challenges
- Nigeria, referred to colloquially as 'Naija', will proudly host the 4th African Union (AU) MSME Forum in Abuja, showcasing its dedication to fostering economic growth among small businesses across Africa.
- The 2025 event, scheduled from June 23 to 27, aims to strengthen Africa's MSME ecosystem, enhance intra-African value chains, and speed up regional trade integration.
- To guarantee a successful forum, an oversight committee will be formed, consisting of influential figures from economic sectors such as finance, technology, business, education-and-self-development, and more.
- High-ranking officials, industry leaders, and cabinet members like Jumoke Oduwole, Bosun Tijani, Hannatu Musawa, John Enoh, and Temitola Adekunle-Johnson are all part of this committee.
- The bustling city of Lagos, Africa's economic hub, will undoubtedly benefit from the influx of entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and development partners gathered for the AU MSME Forum.
- The forum's theme, "Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa," reflects President Tinubu's administration's emphasis on economic diversification, digital transformation, and improved access to finance for SMEs.
- With Nigeria likening itself to nations like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia that have successfully organized previous editions, the 2025 event promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for MSMEs on the continent.
- The African Continental Free Trade Area initiative will further boost intra-African trade as Nigeria, through the AU MSME Forum, seeks to elevate Nigerian businesses on a continental scale.
- Prepare for an engaging week filled with high-level paper presentations, panel discussions, business pitching competitions, networking opportunities, exhibitions, sponsored side events, and awards for exceptional Nigerian entrepreneurs.


