Nigeria is taking bold steps to propel its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) beyond national borders into the wider African market through digital innovation. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced this initiative during the inauguration of the oversight committee for the 4th African Union MSME Forum, set to take place in Abuja from June 23 to 27.
Shettima highlighted that the Tinubu administration has prioritized constructing digital highways and bridges to facilitate seamless cross-border trade for MSMEs. This effort aligns with Nigeria’s leadership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where the country has harmonized investment, digital trade, and competition policies to support entrepreneurs.
To support this vision, Nigeria has established a Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk aimed at helping local businesses export services and digital goods across Africa. Key programs driving this transformation include the $617.7 million i-DICE Programme, which invests in digital and creative enterprises, and the 3 Million Tech Talent Programme, designed to train Nigerian youths in coding, data science, and digital skills.
“The continent is rich in ideas and digital innovation, with over 83 percent of employment in Africa rooted in the informal economy,” Shettima said. “Our government is committed to shaping Africa’s digital trade future by making cross-border commerce secure, scalable, and seamless.”
The upcoming AU MSME Forum will bring together nearly 6,000 SMEs from across Africa and 145 global partners to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and new business opportunities. The event will culminate with the National SME Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to the sector.
Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, chairman of the organizing committee, described the forum as a vital platform for advancing MSME development continent-wide. Meanwhile, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs, assured that the event will showcase Nigeria’s commitment to economic renewal through MSME empowerment.
