President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the formation of an oversight committee tasked with coordinating Nigeria’s preparations for the 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum, set to take place in Abuja from June 23 to 27.
This development was announced in Abuja on Wednesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
The 2025 edition of the Forum will focus on the theme: “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa.”
Nkwocha stated that the committee’s mandate includes ensuring comprehensive planning and execution for a successful forum. The event will feature academic and professional presentations, panel sessions, sponsored side events, exhibitions, networking opportunities, MSME business pitch competitions, and awards to outstanding Nigerian entrepreneurs.
The committee will be chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia. Its members include Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & The Creative Economy Hon. Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment Senator John Owan Enoh.
Additional members are: Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Nonye Ayeni; Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Aisha Rimi; Managing Director of the Bank of Industry Dr. Olasupo Olusi; FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji; NEXIM Bank MD/CEO Abba Bello; SMEDAN Director General Charles Odii; NACCIMA President Dele Kelvin Oye (Esq); and Deputy Director of the African Union Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anthony Alonwu.
Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs (Office of the Vice President), will act as the committee’s secretary and host country coordinator.
The AU MSME Forum was launched by the African Union Commission (AUC) as an annual initiative aimed at empowering MSMEs, fostering intra-African value chains, and enhancing regional trade.
Hosting duties for the forum rotate among AU member states. Since its inception in 2022, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia have hosted the first three editions.