The 4th Annual Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Forum is set to convene under the timely theme “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access & Affordable Financing for Africa.” Organized by the African Union Commission’s Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), in collaboration with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the forum will gather a diverse network of stakeholders from across the continent.
This high-level gathering supports the implementation of the African Union’s SME Strategy, which was adopted in 2019 as a continental blueprint for strengthening MSMEs. Over the years, the forum has established itself as a strategic platform that promotes entrepreneurial growth, inclusive development, and sustainable transformation for Africa’s small businesses.
Previous editions of the forum have taken place in Cairo (Egypt), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Windhoek (Namibia), tackling themes such as inclusive industrialization, youth and women entrepreneurship, startup legislation, and financial empowerment. In 2023, the launch of the Enterprise African Network Fellowship Programme marked a significant milestone, selecting 50 small businesses for a year-long training to become export- and investment-ready.
The 2025 forum will continue this trajectory by focusing on the critical barriers MSMEs face: limited access to financing, constrained market integration, and the slow pace of digital adoption. Participants—including policymakers, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and development agencies—will work together to craft scalable solutions and harmonize regional policies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A strong emphasis will be placed on empowering youth and women-led enterprises, enhancing cross-border collaboration, and creating a more inclusive, technology-driven MSME ecosystem. Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the forum underscores the role of MSMEs as engines for job creation, innovation, and long-term economic growth across Africa.
