…Shettima, Elumelu, others to headline event
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is set to host the 2025 National MSME GROW Nigerian Conference in Lagos from November 16 to 18, a three-day convergence aimed at advancing innovation, enterprise growth, and policy reform across Nigeria’s small business sector.
According to a statement signed by the Agency, the opening day, scheduled for November 16, will feature Food and Fashion Only, a curated showcase of top food and fashion brands presented to investors, industry leaders, and invited guests.
The main conference sessions will take place at the Federal Palace Hotel on November 17 and 18, bringing together policymakers, private sector leaders, financiers, development partners, and MSME associations.
Highlights of the conference will include policy dialogues supporting the review of the National MSME Policy, a dedicated session on the new national tax laws led by Taiwo Oyedele, and a major export session delivered by Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Charles Odii, Director-General SMEDAN, said this year’s theme, GROW Nigerian: Building a Future of Innovation, Resilience and Prosperity, reflects commitment to practical action.
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According to him, participants will not only engage in meaningful discussions but also access grants, markets, and other opportunities to grow their businesses.
The event will feature some of Nigeria’s most influential voices in governance, business, finance, technology, and the creative economy.
“Vice President Kashim Shettima and Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, will lead the opening, while Tony Elumelu will deliver the keynote address. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will host a stakeholder meeting during the conference, with special recognition for governors supporting MSME growth in their states.”
The agency added that the Women Summit on November 18, led by the Minister of Women Affairs, will focus on expanding opportunities for women-owned businesses and strengthening linkages with funders and national programmes.
“Masterclasses will feature experts such as Folagade Banks, Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof), and Tobi Moody, Country Director of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Nigeria, covering creative, technical, business, and intellectual property topics.
“A key session on thriving in the digital era will bring together Tosin Eniolorunda, Co-Founder of Moniepoint, Idris Olorunimbe, Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, and Ife Durosinmi Etti, CEO of economy, examining fintech, digital competitiveness, and new opportunities for MSMEs,” the statement read.
Throughout the event, the GROW Nigerian Fair will showcase SMEs across sectors such as food, fashion, manufacturing, technology, and entertainment. A pitch competition will also award ₦20 million in grants to winning participants.
