This year’s conference delivered its most compelling moment yet as the Pitch Competition showcased the ingenuity, resilience, and ambition driving Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem. From over 700 hopeful entrepreneurs, only 10 finalists earned the coveted spot to present their innovative solutions on stage, each promising to reshape local industries with practical, scalable ideas.
Five MSMEs emerged as winners, collectively receiving ₦20 million to accelerate growth. Zannytecture claimed the ₦10 million grand prize, ABSSparkles secured ₦5 million, Bach Eats Africa earned ₦3 million, while Mercy Sweet Foods and Helenz Footwear each received ₦1 million. Organisers noted that the funding is just one part of a broader effort to empower small businesses, emphasizing mentorship, networking, and exposure to industry leaders as equally valuable outcomes.
The competition is designed not only to provide financial support but to validate the innovative spirit of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs. For the finalists, stepping onto the stage offered visibility, credibility, and a platform to attract further investment, strategic partnerships, and market opportunities. It demonstrated that MSMEs are not merely small players, they are engines of innovation, employment, and economic growth.
Organisers described the initiative as a strategic commitment to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian enterprise. By spotlighting businesses that address real challenges from creative industries and tech-driven solutions to food services and manufacturing, the Pitch Competition reinforces the critical role of MSMEs in driving national development.
For the wider business community, the success of these MSMEs offers inspiration and a blueprint for growth. The recognition and capital awarded signal that with creativity, persistence, and a clear vision, small enterprises can achieve national impact, transform communities, and contribute significantly to the country’s GDP.
The future of Nigerian MSMEs is not just bright,it is unstoppable. With platforms like the Pitch Competition providing funding, mentorship, and exposure, the next wave of small businesses is set to redefine innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the nation’s economic fabric.
