Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has declared that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is laying the digital infrastructure needed to propel Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into the heart of the African market.
Speaking at the inauguration of the oversight committee for Nigeria’s hosting of the 4th African Union (AU) MSME Forum, scheduled for June 23–27 in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the pivotal role of digital innovation in transforming Africa’s informal economy, which accounts for over 83% of employment on the continent.
“While Africa is rich with ideas and innovation, what we’re doing now is building digital highways and bridges to move our MSMEs beyond borders,” Shettima said in a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
He highlighted ongoing federal initiatives including the i-DICE Programme — a $617.7 million investment in digital and creative enterprises — and the 3 Million Tech Talent Programme, which aims to equip young Nigerians with skills in coding, data science, and digital fluency.
Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and chair of the organising committee, described the AU MSME Forum as a strategic platform for cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy alignment on MSME development across Africa.
“This year’s theme — ‘Building Resilient MSMEs Through Digital Innovation, Market Access, and Affordable Financing for Africa’ — mirrors our administration’s commitment to growth and resilience in the sector,” Hadejia noted.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, said Nigeria’s hosting of the forum reflects the country’s rising stature on the global stage, while Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs and Secretary of the Committee, assured that preparations were in full gear to deliver a world-class event.
Lagos State, home to nearly 70% of the country’s MSMEs, is playing a key role in the planning. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, highlighted the state’s N10 billion LASMECO fund in partnership with the Bank of Industry as a model for financing small businesses.
Other key stakeholders represented on the planning committee include the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi; FIRS Chairman, Mr. Zacch Adedeji; and SMEDAN DG, Mr. Charles Odii, all of whom pledged strong institutional support for the event.
The forum will also draw contributions from the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment; Communications and Digital Economy; Art, Culture and Creative Economy; and agencies such as NEPC, NIPC, NEXIM Bank, and NACCIMA. States including Benue, Imo, Enugu, Katsina, and Ekiti are also represented in sub-committees.
The AU MSME Forum is expected to catalyze policy discussions and investments that will enhance the competitiveness of small businesses across Africa, with Nigeria playing a central role in shaping the future of MSME development on the continent.