Nigeria Takes Lead in Hosting Africa’s SMEs Conference to Foster Growth
Fadekemi Ajakaiye
In a strategic move towards fostering economic development and entrepreneurship across Africa, the Africa SMEs Conference is poised to be a catalyst for progress. Scheduled to be held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel Lagos on November 17, 2023, this event aims to promote innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) throughout the continent.
Saint Okpogode, the Convener of the African SMEs Conference, emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in global economic growth, underscoring the need to empower more Nigerians in the entrepreneurial and technological ecosystem to tap into the next wave of economic expansion across the continent.
He emphasized that the organization’s objective is to collaborate with the government in advancing the transformation of the SMEs sector into a diversified segment. This aims to enable more small business owners to harness the full potential of the economy by fostering connections among stakeholders from the government sector, investors, and accelerators with the world’s leading industry experts.
The conference boasts a lineup of speakers featuring leading experts, successful entrepreneurs, and influential CEOs who have significantly shaped Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. Their insights and experiences are expected to inspire and educate attendees, enabling them to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
The event will include engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking presentations covering key areas such as securing grants and loans for business expansion, retaining top-performing employees, achieving business autonomy, and attracting global customers.
Networking sessions will facilitate interactions among entrepreneurs, collaborators, and industry experts. The conference anticipates a diverse range of stakeholders, including influential CEOs, representatives from international organizations, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, collectively working to empower African SMEs.
