MS$ME
&
Startup Economic
Summit 2026
Conference Theme
Digitising MSMEs for Unlocking Nigeria's Non-Oil Revenue & Economic Growth
2026
Victoria Island, Lagos
Prompt
Key Government & Institutional Partners
Context
Background &
Strategic Context
Nigeria's economic diversification agenda has reached a critical inflection point. With increasing volatility in global oil markets, fiscal pressures from oil revenues, and rising domestic demand for jobs and productivity, the non-oil sector has become central to Nigeria's long-term economic sustainability.
At the heart of this non-oil economy are Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—which account for over 90% of businesses, a significant share of employment, and a growing contribution to GDP. However, despite their scale and importance, most MSMEs remain constrained by low productivity, limited access to finance, informality, weak integration into value chains, and restricted access to regional and global markets.
Digitisation presents a transformational opportunity to change this narrative. Digital payments, platforms, data-driven credit, e-commerce, tax technology, and trade enablement tools can unlock scale, transparency, finance, and competitiveness for MSMEs—positioning them as engines of non-oil growth, exports, and sustainable revenue generation for Nigeria.
Forum Theme
Forum Theme
Digitizing MSMEs to Unlock Growth in Nigeria's Non-Oil Sector Economy
This forum is convened to examine how technology, finance, policy reform, and public–private collaboration can accelerate MSME digitisation and reposition the sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria's non-oil economic transformation.
Purpose
Aim & Objectives
Overall Aim
To drive actionable dialogue, partnerships, and policy alignment that enable MSMEs to leverage digitisation for productivity, financing, export growth, and long-term competitiveness in Nigeria's non-oil economy.
🔹 Accelerate MSME Digitisation
Examine practical pathways for MSMEs to adopt digital payments, platforms, accounting systems, identity, and data tools.
🔹 Unlock Non-Oil Growth & Exports
Position digitised MSMEs as drivers of non-oil exports, FX earnings, and participation in AfCFTA and global value chains.
🔹 Bridge the MSME Finance Gap
Explore how alternative data, embedded finance, and digital credit models can unlock sustainable MSME financing.
🔹 Align Tax, Regulation & Growth
Assess how digital tax systems, regulatory frameworks, and incentives can balance revenue mobilisation with MSME sustainability.
🔹 Strengthen Public–Private Collaboration
Foster partnerships between government agencies, banks, fintechs, telcos, DFIs, and technology providers.
Programme
Key Discussion Pillars
MSME Digitisation & Productivity
- Digital onboarding and formalisation
- Payments, POS, QR, wallets, and invoicing
- MSME data as an economic and credit asset
- Productivity and operational efficiency
Financing Digitised MSMEs
- Alternative credit scoring and data-driven lending
- Embedded finance and supply-chain finance
- Trade finance and working capital solutions
- Risk-sharing with DFIs and development partners
MSMEs, Non-Oil Exports & Global Market Access
- Export readiness and digital trade platforms
- AfCFTA opportunities for MSMEs
- Logistics, payments, FX repatriation, and standards
- MSMEs in regional and global value chains
Tax, Regulation & the Digital Economy
- Digital tax payment systems and compliance
- MSME formalisation and incentives
- Balancing revenue growth with enterprise sustainability
- Regulatory clarity for digital MSMEs
Infrastructure, Inclusion & Scale
- Connectivity and last-mile access
- Digital identity, KYC, and onboarding
- Financial inclusion for women- and youth-led MSMEs
- Rural and regional MSME digitisation
Who Attends
Target Participants
What We Deliver
Expected Outcomes
A Digitised MSME Growth Roadmap for Nigeria's non-oil economy
Policy recommendations on MSME digitisation, finance, and tax reform
Strategic partnerships and ecosystem collaborations
Enhanced visibility for partners as enablers of non-oil growth
A strong national narrative positioning MSMEs as Nigeria's non-oil growth engine
Strategic Value to Partners
Thought Leadership
Media and thought leadership positioning in Nigeria's MSME and non-oil growth agenda.
Direct Engagement
Direct access to policymakers, regulators, and MSME operators at the highest level.
Brand Alignment
Align your brand with innovation, financial inclusion, and economic transformation.
Market Expansion
Opportunities for product adoption, onboarding, and market expansion across Nigeria.
Platform & Conveners
Platform & Conveners
The Economic Forum Series ®️
Nigeria's market-leading, multi-stakeholder and cross-industry policy, finance, and business platform. It brings together key players across policy, regulatory, financial services, development partners, technology companies, and entrepreneurs to drive practical dialogue, strategic partnerships, and inclusive economic growth.
Africa Global Economic Forum
Africa's leading global economic platform focused on shaping the future of business, finance, innovation, and policy across the continent. The MSME Summit 2026 is aligned with the broader vision of the Forum as a definitive continental platform for economic transformation.
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Sponsorship & Institutional Partnerships
MSME Summit 2026 · July 29
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