The Economic Forum Series® (EFS) in partnership has announced its 5th Annual MSME & Startup Summit, scheduled to hold on May 30, 2025, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The summit, themed “Unlocking Inclusive Growth for Informal MSMEs & Startups,” will focus on harnessing the potential of digital finance to drive inclusive economic development across Nigeria and the wider African region.
A flagship programme of Economic Forum Media Limited, the Economic Forum Series® is widely regarded as Africa’s Global Forum™ for strategic thought leadership—connecting business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to influence policy, drive innovation, and accelerate impact across key economic sectors.
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Chief Executive Officer of Economic Forum Media Limited, Mr. Jude Ndu, described the summit as a critical platform for advancing inclusive economic transformation.
“This forum represents a bold step toward driving inclusive economic transformation. By bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers, we are creating a platform that not only empowers MSMEs but also influences policy and accelerates growth through digital finance and innovation,” he stated.
Since its inception in 2018, the Economic Forum Series® has successfully delivered commercially impactful conferences, summits, executive trainings, and media workshops targeted at C-level executives, policymakers, and professionals across diverse sectors. The forum aligns with global standards, including those of the World Economic Forum, and continues to contribute meaningfully to discussions around productivity, innovation, and growth.
The 2025 summit will feature keynote addresses from respected voices in business and finance, including Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, Ms. Chizoma Okoli; Country Manager and Area Business Head, West Africa for Mastercard, Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal; and Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chinyere Almona.
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Also expected as speakers and panelists are Managing Director of FairMoney Microfinance Bank, Mr. Henry Obiekwe; Senior Vice President, Distribution Sales at Moniepoint Inc., Mr. Ezekiel Sanni; Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima; Acting National President of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria, Dr. Obioha Oti; and Former Chief Operating Officer of the FinTech Association of Nigeria, Dr. Babatunde Obrimah.
The summit is expected to provide practical strategies, innovative tools, and collaborative opportunities that will empower MSMEs and startups to scale, access finance, and play a more impactful role in driving Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.
