The Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr Charles Odii, has announced the 2025 National MSME GROW Nigerian Conference, describing it as a “festival of ideas, innovation, and enterprise”.
Mr Odii, in a statement, revealed that the three-day national conference, scheduled for November 16–18, 2025, in Lagos south-west Nigeria, is aimed at unlocking new growth pathways for small and medium-sized businesses across Nigeria.
He said that the conference will bring together top government officials, global development partners, financiers, and business leaders to chart a new course for Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem.
Dr Odii, while unveiling details of the event in Abuja, said the 2025 theme, “GROW Nigerian: Building a Future of Innovation, Resilience and Prosperity”, reflects SMEDAN’s renewed drive to create practical opportunities for small businesses through access to finance, markets, skills, and digital transformation.
“At this conference, we’re building on our ongoing efforts to expand access to opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs, including finance, markets, skills, and visibility,” Dr Odii stated.
“It will be a festival of ideas, innovation, and enterprise, bringing together government, private sector, development partners, and small businesses to collaborate for impact. Beyond conversations, participants will also have access to grants and tangible opportunities to help them grow.”
According to Odii, the conference will feature some of the most influential voices in governance, business, and technology, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr Tajudeen Abbas, and Chairman Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, who will deliver the keynote address.
According to the statement, “Other expected dignitaries include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who will host a special stakeholder meeting, and Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and State Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh.
“The conference is supported by the German Government, the European Union, and the Swiss Government through GIZ, alongside leading private sector partners such as Moniepoint, UBA, Bank of Industry, NEXIM Bank, Wema Bank, Fidelity Bank, MTN, and the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University.”
Dr Odii explained that one of the key objectives of the conference is to support the review of Nigeria’s National MSME Policy, which expires this year, and shape a new five-year framework for sustainable enterprise growth.
Sessions will cover critical topics such as new national tax laws, led by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, as well as export expansion strategies to be delivered by the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Nonye Ayeni.
The statement disclosed that a Women Summit, led by the Minister of Women Affairs, will focus on strengthening women-owned businesses, while masterclasses by creative and business leaders like Folagade Banks, Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof), and WIPO Country Director Tobi Moody will build capacity in entrepreneurship, branding, and intellectual property.
Role of Technology
Highlighting the role of technology, the SMEDAN DG said a major session titled “Competing and Thriving in the Digital Era” will feature Moniepoint Co-founder Tosin Eniolorunda, NCC Chairman Idris Olorunimbe, and Herconomy CEO Ife Durosinmi-Etti, focusing on fintech, digital competitiveness, and new opportunities for Nigerian MSMEs.
The statement revealed that throughout the event, the GROW Nigerian Fair will showcase outstanding small businesses in food, fashion, manufacturing, and entertainment, alongside a pitch competition offering ₦20 million in grants to top innovators.
“Our goal is to build an economy powered by small businesses that can compete globally,” Dr Odii affirmed.
“Nigeria’s entrepreneurs are the engine of our economy, and with the right support and innovation ecosystem, they can drive resilience, create jobs, and build prosperity across Africa.”