Three years ago, we set out to create a room where Nigeria’s small business owners could be heard, learn from experts and meet the people who make decisions that shape their businesses.

In 2024, the conference began in Abuja. In 2025, we took it to Lagos, where more than 2,000 delegates joined us, 112 businesses exhibited and we awarded ₦18 million in grants. This November, we are back in Lagos for the third edition, from 8 to 10 November at the Ecobank Pan African Centre.

The theme: The Next Frontier for Innovation, Policy and Market Access

Three ideas shape this year’s conference.

Innovation is about using digital payments, online sales and new tools to sell more and spend less.

Policy covers the rules on registration, tax, funding and regulation that decide how easy it is to run a business, with policymakers in the room to hear from you directly.

Market access is about reaching shops, new cities and export markets beyond the ones you already serve.

Sessions run across five tracks: Finance and Capital Access, Markets and Export Readiness, Policy and Business Environment, Digital Adoption and Technology, and Workforce Solutions.

The Nigerian First Fair

Alongside the conference, 156 Nigerian brands will sell directly to the public at the Nigerian First Fair, with everything from fashion and beauty to food and drinks, craft and homeware at good prices. We are expecting 10,000 shoppers, and entry is completely free when you register, so whether you want to shop for yourself, find a gift or discover a brand you have never heard of, there is something for you.

For business owners: two ways to take part

Pitch for a share of ₦30 million. Three winners will share a grand prize of ₦30 million: ₦15 million for first place, ₦10 million for second and ₦5 million for third. To apply by 22 October, follow SMEDAN on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok and follow @grownigerianhq on Instagram. Record a pitch video of 1.5 to 2 minutes and post it publicly on Instagram only, tagging @smedangov and @grownigerianhq and using #MSMEConference2026 #SMEDANPitchCompetition #GrowNigerian. Then complete the form at conference.smedan.gov.ng/pitch with your CAC registration number, your SMEDAN ID and your pitch deck.

We will announce a shortlist of ten on 30 October, and those ten will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Lagos. They will pitch on 9 November, five will advance, and the three winners will be announced on 10 November.

Exhibit at the Nigerian First Fair. 30 free booths are open. Your business must be registered with the CAC, have been operating for two years or more and consent to Ecobank onboarding, and you will need a SMEDAN ID, which you can get at portal.smedan.gov.ng. Apply at conference.smedan.gov.ng/marketplace by 23 October.

Key dates

  • 23 October: exhibition applications close
  • 27 October: pitch applications close
  • 30 October: pitch shortlist of ten announced
  • 8 to 10 November: The National MSME Conference and the Nigerian First Fair, Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos

How to register

Registration is free at conference.smedan.gov.ng. We look forward to seeing you in Lagos.