– Isreal Etim
Government at all levels have been urged to drive policy conversations that favour Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), who remain the largest employers of labour in Nigeria.
The Director for Programmes and Partnerships at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, made the call at a press briefing in Lagos.
Dr. Anifowose said this year’s edition of the SME Conference, hosted by the Enterprise Development Centre, will serve as a platform for small businesses, policymakers, funders and innovators to come together and bridge gaps, from capital and funding opportunities to market access.
He noted that beyond the challenges in the ecosystem, there are huge opportunities for growth and expansion for SMEs in Nigeria, adding that the shift to a pan-African conference reflects a shared reality for small businesses across the continent, including access to finance, markets, talent, infrastructure and cross-border trade.
“Reaching a 20th edition is a testament to EDC’s consistency and to the trust the entrepreneurial community has placed in Pan-Atlantic University. This conference has always reflected our belief that SME growth is central to Africa’s development. As it grows into a Pan-African platform, it carries that belief to a much wider audience,” Dr. Anifowose said.
Speaking on the new direction, Head of Alumni Engagement and Support Services at EDC, Dr. Nnenna Ugwu, said the challenges facing SMEs do not stop at national borders, and neither should the solutions.
“Twenty years ago, we set out to create a space where Nigerian entrepreneurs could learn, connect and be heard. That space has grown, and so have the businesses in it. The next phase is about building platforms that work for businesses across the continent, and making sure what is discussed in the room is actually carried out,” Dr. Ugwu said.
Themed “Beyond Ecosystems: Building Platforms That Help African Businesses Thrive,” this year’s edition expands the conference’s scope to the continent, with over 500 delegates from more than 10 African countries expected, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and development partners.
Supported by MTN Foundation Nigeria, the conference will hold on 16th and 17th November in Ikoyi, Lagos, with participation available both in person and online.
