Meticulously organized within the framework of the implementation of the ECOWA Charter of SMEs for the period 2021-2030 and the Private Sector Development Strategy, this extraordinary meeting served as a defining framework for SMEs development and promotion and PMI to collaborate and identify pragmatic modalities to support growth and proliferation of SMEs in the region.

More specifically, the modalities for the creation of the Regional Coalition of Small Enterprises (RSBC) as a regional platform for coordination and implementation of SMEs and the Regional Partnership Platform for Small Enterprises Development (RSBD-PP) aimed at mobilizing and channeling the support of partners to SMEs have have been highlighted by the creation of technical working groups to work on the development of respective platforms.

The importance of this event was demonstrated by the dignitaries and personalities who attended the opening ceremony. Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives of Nigeria, Hon Benjamin KALU, Rt Hon James SHAIBU BARKA, Chairman House of Commerce Commission, has emphasized the unquestionable importance of SMEs in developed and developing countries worldwide.

He underlined the unwavering commitment of the National Assembly to legislate on policies promoting a conducive environment for SMEs in Nigeria.

He also congratulated the organizers for this initiative, believing that it will certainly stimulate growth and development of SMEs across the region.

In a resounding speech, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Doris Nkiruka UZOKA-ANITE, represented by the Director of SMEDAN, stressed the ministry’s commitment to the theme of SMEs 4.0. This theme prioritises improving quality, productivity, competitiveness, resilience and sustainability in tandem with the digital transformation era.

Ms. UZOKA-ANITE, whose speech was eloquently delivered by her assistant, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to empowering SMEs into the digital era by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate an ever-changing business landscape. In addition, she revealed the launch of a billion naira fund for youth and women enterprises nationwide.

Her Excellency Ms. Massandje TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of ECOWAS, noted the progress made by her institution in developing regional policies and regulations, as well as in facilitating an environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of small and small businesses. Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the sub-region.

She stressed that these achievements cover a wide range of areas, such as business training, regional collaborations, improved regulation, promotion of specialist development corridors and crucial financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in the region. Ms. TOURE-LITSE kindly urged all participants to familiarize themselves with the ECOWAS Charter of SMEs for the period 2021-2030, underlining its many provisions specifically designed to promote the growth and advancement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This ECOWAS SME conference is an important step towards economic success and empowerment of West African enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.