By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is set to host the 2025 National MSME GROW Nigerian Conference, a three-day national event aimed at advancing innovation, enterprise growth, and policy reform across Nigeria’s small business sector.

The conference will run from November 16 to 18 in Lagos, beginning with an opening showcase on November 16 and continuing with main sessions at the Federal Palace Hotel on November 17 and 18.

This year’s edition features influential voices from governance, business, finance, technology, and the creative economy. Vice President Kashim Shettima and House Speaker Dr. Tajudeen Abbas will lead the opening, while Mr. Tony Elumelu, CON, will deliver the keynote address. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will host a stakeholder meeting, and special recognition will be given to governors who have actively supported MSME growth in their states.

The opening day will spotlight Food and Fashion Only, a curated showcase of top food and fashion brands presented to investors, industry leaders, and invited guests. This event combines enterprise development with market exposure and high-level engagement.

On November 17 and 18, the conference will host policy dialogues to support the review of the National MSME Policy, which expires this year, and guide the development of a new five-year framework. Sessions will bring together federal and state officials, private sector leaders, financiers, development partners, and MSME associations.

A dedicated session on new national tax laws and their implications for small businesses will be led by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The conference will also feature an export-focused session delivered by Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC.

The Women Summit, scheduled for November 18 and led by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, will focus on expanding opportunities for women-owned businesses and strengthening connections with funders and national programmes.

The conference will include a masterclass series featuring leading voices in creative, technical, and business domains. Presenters include Folagade Banks, Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr. Jollof), and trainers from SMEDAN’s enterprise network. A specialized session on intellectual property will be delivered by Tobi Moody, Country Director of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Nigeria.

The digital competitiveness session will feature Tosin Eniolorunda, Co-Founder of Moniepoint; Idris Olorunimbe, Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission; and Ife Durosinmi Etti, CEO of Herconomy. The panel will explore opportunities for MSMEs in a rapidly evolving digital and fintech landscape.

Throughout the conference, the GROW Nigerian Fair will showcase Nigeria’s most promising SMEs across food, fashion, manufacturing, technology, entertainment, and other sectors. A pitch competition will award winners ₦20 million in grants.

Other distinguished attendees include Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment, and Senator John Owan Enoh, Honourable Minister of State for Industry.

Speaking ahead of the conference, SMEDAN Director-General/CEO Dr. Charles Odii said the 2025 theme, “GROW Nigerian: Building a Future of Innovation, Resilience and Prosperity,” reflects the agency’s commitment to practical action.

“At this conference, we’re expanding access to opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs, including finance, markets, skills, and visibility. It will be a festival of ideas, innovation, and enterprise, bringing together government, the private sector, international development partners, and small businesses to collaborate for impact. Participants will also have access to grants and other tangible opportunities to help them grow,” Odii said.

The event is supported by the German Government, the EU, and the Swiss Government through GIZ, with additional partners including Moniepoint, UBA, Bank of Industry, NEXIM Bank, Wema Bank, Fidelity Bank, MTN, and the Enterprise Development Center of Pan Atlantic University.