Nigeria set to host 4th AU MSME Forum in June
…as President Tinubu approves Planning Committee
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria is set to host the 4th edition of the African Union (AU) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum in Abuja from June 23 to 27, 2025, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of an Oversight Committee to coordinate preparations for the high-level continental event.
Themed “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa,” the 2025 Forum will bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and development partners from across Africa to explore strategies for strengthening the MSME sector—widely regarded as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
The forum will include paper presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, business pitching sessions, sponsored side events, and awards for outstanding Nigerian entrepreneurs.
According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), the Oversight Committee will be chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President. Key ministers and heads of relevant institutions have also been appointed to the committee.
Members include:
- Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
- Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
- Hon. Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
- Sen. John Owan Enoh, Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment
Institutional representatives from NEPC, NIPC, BOI, FIRS, NEXIM Bank, SMEDAN, NACCIMA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also included.
Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, will serve as the Host Country Coordinator and Secretary of the Committee.
The AU MSME Forum, launched in 2022 by the African Union Commission, promotes intra-African trade, strengthens value chains, and offers a platform for MSMEs to access markets, resources, and policy support. Previous editions were hosted in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia.
