Ahead of the 4th African Union (AU) MSME Forum to be hosted in Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s resolve to boost the MSME sector through digital innovation and inclusive economic policies.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the organising committee for the forum, the Vice President highlighted the strategic steps already taken by the federal government to build “digital highways and bridges” that will enable Nigerian MSMEs to thrive across African markets.
The high-level forum, scheduled to take place in Abuja from 23 to 27 June, is expected to attract stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on the future of MSMEs in Africa under the theme: “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access and Affordable Financing for Africa.”
Nigeria Aligns Policy With Continental Trade Goals
Shettima noted that over 83% of Africa’s workforce operates within the informal economy, yet the continent possesses the creativity and digital capacity to compete globally.
He recalled Nigeria’s leadership role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Negotiating Forum, adding that the country has since harmonised its investment, digital trade, and competition policies with the agreement.
According to the Vice President, initiatives such as the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk, the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme, and the 3 Million Tech Talent programme underscore Nigeria’s resolve to drive digital transformation.
“These efforts are not mere policy statements. They are deliberate steps to empower our entrepreneurs to export services and digital goods across Africa,” Shettima said.
He emphasised President Tinubu’s assurance that Nigeria remains committed to harmonising trade laws to create a seamless and secure cross-border commerce ecosystem.
Organising Committee Inaugurated
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, who chairs the organising committee, described the forum as a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. He said the event aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda to promote innovation, market access, and affordable financing for MSMEs.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, also a member of the committee, said Nigeria’s hosting of the forum reflects growing international confidence in the country’s economic direction.
Also Read: Tinubu Establishes Committee for Nigeria’s Hosting of AU MSME Forum
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, praised the administration’s prioritisation of small businesses, which he said are pivotal to Nigeria’s GDP and broader economic transformation.
He assured that the country would deliver a successful forum that would unlock opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly in the areas of finance and market expansion.
The Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, who serves as Secretary of the committee, pledged the team’s commitment to delivering a world-class event, adding that preparations are on track ahead of the June 23 opening.
Other committee members, including the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr Olasupo Olusi; FIRS Executive Chairman, Mr Zacch Adedeji; and SMEDAN Director General, Mr Charles Odii, all expressed support for the forum and its anticipated economic impact.
The committee also comprises the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musawa; as well as key executives from NEPC, NIPC, NEXIM Bank and NACCIMA.
The forum is expected to serve as a springboard for deeper integration of MSMEs into Africa’s digital and trade ecosystems, positioning Nigeria at the centre of the continent’s economic renewal agenda.
