President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sanctioned the formation of an Oversight Committee to coordinate Nigeria’s hosting of the 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum, which is set to take place in Abuja from 23 to 27 June.
A statement released on 30 April 2025 by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), revealed that the event will gather approximately 6,000 SMEs from across Africa and 145 global partners.
Themed “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa,” this year’s Forum will serve as a platform to empower small businesses, strengthen intra-African value chains, and enhance regional trade. The annual gathering, initiated by the African Union Commission (AUC), has become a strategic event in fostering growth for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the continent.
President Tinubu’s Oversight Committee has been entrusted with ensuring thorough planning and smooth execution of the international event. The Committee is chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), and is composed of key ministers and heads of agencies across trade, investment, technology, finance, and cultural sectors.
Among the members are 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; and Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment.
Other notable members include Mrs. Nonye Ayeni of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Aisha Rimi of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Dr. Olasupo Olusi from the Bank of Industry, Mr. Zacch Adedeji of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Abba Bello from NEXIM Bank, Mr. Charles Odii of SMEDAN, Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye, Esq. of NACCIMA, and Mr. Anthony N. Alonwu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the President’s Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs, will act as Host Country Coordinator and Secretary of the Committee.
The presidency also highlighted that the Forum’s hosting rights rotate among AU member states. Since its inception in 2022, the event has been held in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia.
In a video message, Mr. Adekunle-Johnson expressed the significance of this year’s edition: “We have SMEs—close to 6,000—from all African countries, plus 145 different partners from all over the world coming to Nigeria to explore ways to support SMEs in the country and across the continent.”
He further emphasised the benefits for local businesses, noting, “It will allow them to unlock potential and discover new opportunities both within Nigeria, across Africa, and globally.”
Over the course of five days, the Forum will feature a dynamic programme including keynote speeches, expert panels, exhibitions, networking activities, business pitches, and side events supported by sponsors. The event will conclude with the National SME Awards, celebrating outstanding Nigerian entrepreneurs.