The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is set to host the highly anticipated 2025 National MSME GROW Nigerian Conference from November 16 to 18, 2025, in Lagos. This significant gathering aims to propel the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises across the nation.
High-Profile Attendance and Event Schedule
The conference will commence with a special showcase titled Fashion and Food Only (FFO), highlighting premier Nigerian brands from these vital sectors. The main conference sessions will then unfold at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
An impressive roster of leaders will grace the event. Vice President Kashim Shettima is confirmed to headline, alongside renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will also be a key participant. They will be joined by numerous ministers, top policymakers, innovators, and international development partners, including representatives from GIZ and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Key Sessions and Featured Speakers
The conference agenda is packed with critical topics designed to address the core challenges and opportunities facing Nigerian MSMEs. Delegates can expect in-depth discussions on MSME policy reform, new tax laws, export promotion, digital transformation, and the role of women in business.
A powerful lineup of speakers and panelists has been assembled to lead these conversations. This includes Taiwo Oyedele of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Tosin Eniolorunda from the fintech giant Moniepoint, and Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Other notable figures are Ife Durosinmi Etti of Herconomy, Folagade Banks, and Tobi Moody from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Opportunities for Small Businesses
Beyond the panel discussions, the event will feature a vibrant GROW Nigerian Fair with extensive exhibitions, allowing businesses to showcase their products and services. A major highlight is a pitch competition with a prize fund of twenty million naira (₦20 million), offering a significant financial boost to a promising small business.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, described the forthcoming conference as a festival of ideas, innovation, and enterprise. He emphasized that the event is strategically designed to bring together the government, the private sector, and development partners to create tangible opportunities that will help Nigerian businesses scale and prosper.
Entrepreneurs and stakeholders interested in attending can register for free through the official portal at www.smedan.gov.ng/msmeconference.
