Nigeria is laying the groundwork to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa break through digital barriers and expand their reach continent-wide. According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Tinubu-led administration is pushing forward ambitious plans to position MSMEs for growth in digital innovation, trade, and continental collaboration.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s role in chairing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Negotiating Forum and aligning the nation’s policies with the agreement’s goals. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the oversight committee for the upcoming 4th African Union (AU) MSME Forum, which Nigeria will host from June 23 to 27.
The Vice President stressed the importance of a united approach: “We have reformed. We have invested. And we are resolved to see this transformation through. But none of us can achieve this in isolation.”
i-DICE, Digital Trade Desk, and the 3MTT Push
Among the government’s key initiatives is the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk, designed to support Nigerian entrepreneurs in exporting digital products and services across the continent. Shettima also referenced the i-DICE Programme — a $617.7 million investment aimed at bolstering digital and creative enterprises. This is in addition to the 3 Million Tech Talent (3MTT) Programme, which is training young Nigerians in coding, data science, and other digital skills.
Shettima affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to shaping the future of Africa’s digital trade ecosystem, noting that efforts are ongoing to harmonise the nation’s laws to make cross-border trade seamless, secure, and scalable.
AU MSME Forum to Drive Continental Collaboration
The Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President and committee chairman, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, described the forum as a critical platform for driving collaboration, idea exchange, and innovation across African MSMEs. Themed “Building resilient MSMEs through digital innovation, market access and affordable financing for Africa”, the summit echoes Nigeria’s broader push for economic transformation through digital means.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that Nigeria’s hosting of the forum signals rising international confidence in the country’s economic direction. Similarly, Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, assured stakeholders of Nigeria’s readiness to host and leverage the event to advance access to funding and markets for local MSMEs.
Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, revealed that nearly 70 per cent of MSMEs in Nigeria operate within Lagos. She highlighted that the state government is already improving financial access through the N10 billion LASMECO scheme in partnership with the Bank of Industry.
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