Tinubu Takes Charge! Nigeria To Host Major AU MSME Forum In June

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of a high-level committee to oversee Nigeria’s preparations for hosting the 4th African Union (AU) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum, scheduled to take place from June 23 to 27 in Abuja.

According to Naija News, the AU MSME Forum—launched by the African Union Commission in 2022—is a strategic platform aimed at strengthening Africa’s MSME landscape, enhancing regional trade, and promoting value chain integration across the continent.

The theme for the 2025 edition is “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa.”

Speaking on the development, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, said Nigeria is ready to take a central role in shaping economic policy across Africa and advancing MSME development continent-wide.

The newly formed committee will lead the planning and execution of the high-level forum, which is set to feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, business networking, side events, pitch competitions, and awards recognizing outstanding Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), will chair the committee. Other notable members include:

• Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

• Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

• Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy

• John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment

• Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council

• Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission

• Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director, Bank of Industry

• Zacch Adedeji, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service

• Abba Bello, MD/CEO, NEXIM Bank

• Charles Odii, Director-General, SMEDAN

• Dele Kelvin Oye, Esq, President, NACCIMA

• Anthony N. Alonwu, Deputy Director, AU Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs will serve as the committee’s Host Country Coordinator and Secretary.

By hosting the AU MSME Forum, Nigeria joins the ranks of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia—countries that have previously hosted the forum since its launch. The 2025 edition is expected to attract a wide range of participants including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa and beyond.

The event aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification, digital transformation, and enhanced access to finance for MSMEs.