Nigeria to Build Digital Bridges, Targets Taking MSMEs Across African Market Borders – Kashim Shettima
Abuja, Nigeria – Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has initiated bold steps to construct digital highways and bridges aimed at expanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across African markets.
Inauguration of AU MSME Forum Oversight Committee
Shettima made this declaration while inaugurating the oversight committee approved by President Tinubu to organize Nigeria’s hosting of the 4th African Union (AU) MSME Forum, scheduled for June 23–27, 2025, in Abuja. The statement was released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications.
Nairametrics had previously reported that President Tinubu approved the committee to oversee the event, which will host 6,000 SMEs.
Africa’s Untapped Potential in Digital Innovation
Shettima emphasized that while over 83% of Africa’s employment lies in the informal economy, the continent is brimming with digital innovation and ideas that position it to compete globally.
- Nigeria has aligned its investment, digital trade, and competition policies with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- The government established a Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk to support entrepreneurs in exporting services and digital goods.
- Key initiatives like the i-DICE Programme ($617.7 million investment in digital and creative enterprises) and the 3 Million Tech Talent Programme aim to empower Nigerian youths in coding, data science, and digital fluency.
“We have reformed. We have invested. And we are resolved to see this transformation through. But none of us can achieve this in isolation. That is why this forum is not just important. It is indispensable,” Shettima stated.
Key Highlights of the Forum
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, who chairs the organizing committee, highlighted the forum’s role in fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among African MSMEs.
- The event aligns with the Tinubu administration’s efforts to boost MSME growth.
- Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs, assured a world-class event showcasing Nigeria’s commitment.
- Committee members include representatives from the Bank of Industry, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and SMEDAN.
What to Expect
Adekunle-Johnson confirmed that nearly 6,000 SMEs from across Africa and 145 global partners will attend the forum, providing Nigerian businesses with opportunities to network and expand internationally.
“It will allow them to unlock potential and discover new opportunities both within Nigeria, across Africa, and globally,” he said.
The five-day event will culminate in the National SME Awards.
Full credit to the original publisher: Nairametrics