President Bola Tinubu has approved the formation of an oversight committee to coordinate Nigeria’s hosting of the 4th edition of the African Union Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum, scheduled to take place from June 23 to 27, 2025, in Abuja.
This was disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
Forum Theme and Objectives
The theme for the 2025 Forum is “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa.” The forum is expected to include high-level paper presentations, panel discussions, sponsored side events, exhibitions and networking sessions, MSME business pitching events, and the presentation of prizes to outstanding Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The AU MSME Forum, introduced in 2022 by the African Union Commission (AUC), is an annual event aimed at empowering MSMEs across the continent, strengthening intra-African value chains, and enhancing regional trade integration. Hosting rights rotate among AU member states, with Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia having hosted the first three editions.
Oversight Committee Composition
The oversight committee will be chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President). Key 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 Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
- Sen. John Owan Enoh – Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment
- Nonye Ayeni – Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
- Aisha Rimi – Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)
- Dr. Olasupo Olusi – Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI)
- Zacch Adedeji – Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
- Abba Bello – Managing Director/CEO, NEXIM Bank
- Charles Odii – Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)
- Dele Kelvin Oye (Esq) – President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)
- Anthony Alonwu – Deputy Director, African Union Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, will serve as the Host Country Coordinator and Secretary of the committee.
Strengthening the MSME Ecosystem in Africa
The AU MSME Forum serves as a continental platform to shape MSME policy, promote trade, and enhance access to finance and markets. With Nigeria playing host for the first time, stakeholders anticipate a renewed push for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development across the continent.
