For three days in Lagos, the National MSME Conference 2025 gathered the heart of Nigeria’s enterprise community. Entrepreneurs, policymakers, creators, industry leaders, and development partners came together to learn, connect, showcase, and build. What unfolded was more than a conference. It was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the collective ambition to grow Nigeria’s small businesses.

Here is a look at how it all happened.

Day 1:Fashion and Food Only

The conference opened in grand style with the Fashion and Food Only Showcase, and it immediately set the tone. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with colour, flavour, and artistry as Nigerian chefs, designers, and creators displayed their work with pride and excellence.

Guests explored an array of mouthwatering dishes from Chef Martha, Chef Luscious, and Chef Agabus, enjoyed innovative palm wine blends from Palm Afrika, and watched the runway come alive with pieces that reflected the depth of Nigeria’s creativity. Designers such as Adire Teems, Atuche, Turban Tempest, Lolabaej, Stitches by Lope, Korede James, Bxfrox, Nitemi The Label, and Gozifego brought their best to the runway.

The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to the Lagos State Governor, Idris Aregbe, and several dignitaries were also present to experience the incredible showcase.

Day 1 was a reminder to all that Nigeria’s fashion and food industries are not mediocre and can in fact compete worldwide.


Day 2

Day 2 of the conference marked the official opening and welcome ceremony of the conference. The keynote speech given by Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation was a reawakening call to SMEs present to realise their real purpose and strive to build, grow and overcome the challenges that come with running a business.

Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, also held an important session on the new tax reform laws, which take effect in January 2026, how SMEs will be affected and what they need to be prepared for the changes in the coming year.

One of the highlights of the day was the launch of mySMEville in partnership with MTN, a digital platform that gives entrepreneurs a full view of their business activities in one place.

The day also featured two important breakout sessions. One was for the newly graduated ICSS students, who received guidance on taking their next steps as certified service providers. The second brought together Business Development Service Providers to deepen their understanding of how to better support MSMEs across the country. We also held a panel session titled “Competing and Thriving in the Digital Era: Technology and the Future of MSME Growth,” where the panelists covered how business owners can utilize AI and technology in their various businesses.

In between sessions, the exhibition grounds were buzzing with activity. Food vendors served everything from comfort meals to innovative delicacies, and guests moved from stall to stall discovering new businesses and supporting local brands.

Day 3

The final day was powerful and emotional. The Women’s Summit brought together women entrepreneurs with the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Governor of Lagos State, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose-Medebem. Conversations centered on breaking barriers and strengthening support systems for women-led MSMEs.

Two masterclasses also took place: the Content Creation Masterclass with Folagade Banks and the Intellectual Property Masterclass. The creator session with Folagade Banks became one of the most talked-about moments of the day, especially the raffle draw that gifted three attendees brand new iPhone 16 Pro devices. One winner, a young creator who had used an iPhone 7 for seven years, moved the room with her emotional reaction.

The day concluded with the grand finale of the SMEDAN Pitch Competition. From over 700 applicants, 10 semifinalists took the stage to pitch their ideas. Five emerged winners and collectively walked away with 20 million naira in grant funding:

  • ₦10 million for the winner
  • ₦5 million for first runner-up
  • ₦3 million for second runner-up
  • ₦1 million each for third and fourth runner-up

Even the semifinalists who did not win received GROW Nigerian Gift Boxes and Nigerian-made tablets to support their businesses.

It was a powerful close to a three-day experience filled with learning, opportunity, community, and hope.

Thank You for Being Part of Something Bigger

The National MSME Conference 2025 succeeded because thousands of entrepreneurs showed up with heart and determination, and because partners, facilitators, speakers, and supporters believed in the vision.

Whether you joined physically in Lagos or participated virtually, thank you for being part of this journey. We hope you left with new knowledge, meaningful connections, and renewed inspiration.

We look forward to building with you again at the National MSME Conference 2026.

Together, we Grow Nigeria.