At the core of our discussions lay the imperative need to create policies that foster cross-border partnerships and economic integration. One of the key messages I emphasized during the roundtable was that trade cannot flourish without access—access to markets, access to capital, and access to opportunities. SMEs are the heartbeat of African economies, but without access, their potential remains untapped.

Our challenge, therefore, is to democratize this access across the continent. Market access is critical for SMEs to grow and compete on a global scale, but they also need the capital to scale their operations and innovate. By addressing these two vital needs—market and capital access—we can empower African entrepreneurs to expand beyond their local borders and participate in the larger global economy.

One of the key outcomes of the roundtable was the Declaration of Intent signed between South Africa, represented by Honourable Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and Algeria, represented by Honourable Minister M. Yacine El Mahdi Oualid. This agreement is a major milestone in our collective effort to enhance cross-border collaboration, particularly in the realm of SME development. The Declaration serves as a framework for future partnerships, providing a solid foundation for initiatives that will drive economic growth and development across Africa. It signals a shared commitment to removing the barriers that hinder SME growth, such as limited market access and insufficient capital resources.

The discussions at the roundtable took place against the backdrop of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, a vibrant platform where leaders from around the world converge to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Our participation in this global event reinforced the need to align our African agenda with global trends, ensuring that African SMEs are well-positioned to take advantage of international opportunities.

In conclusion, the Ministerial Roundtable was a critical step forward in advancing our collective agenda of African entrepreneurship and SME development. Together, through partnerships and collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of Africa’s SMEs and drive sustainable growth across the continent.

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Fostering access to profitable markets within and beyond Africa is a primary focus for SMEDAN, as we recognize that market access is a critical component for the sustainable growth of our economy. The IATF provides an invaluable platform for Nigerian SMEs to showcase their products and services, connect with potential buyers and investors, and explore new opportunities for expansion across the continent. By facilitating their participation in this fair, we are enabling these businesses to cultivate valuable networks that can open doors to new markets and partnerships.

During my visit, I was inspired by the innovation and resilience displayed by our SMEs. Their commitment to excellence and their determination to overcome challenges are truly commendable. These qualities are essential as we work together to elevate local production standards, ensuring that Nigerian products can compete on a global scale. In this regard, our agency remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality and competitiveness of our SMEs.

Furthermore, our engagement at the IATF is not limited to the fair itself. We are actively participating in discussions with relevant stakeholders to streamline regulations, remove trade barriers, and create an enabling environment for our businesses to succeed. This involves advocating for policies that support seamless and efficient market entry, reduce the cost of doing business, and promote fair competition.

As we continue to support our SMEs at the IATF and beyond, we are not only contributing to their success but also to the broader economic growth of Nigeria. Our efforts are geared towards building a robust SME sector that can drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the GDP. Together, we can ensure that Nigerian SMEs are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and beyond.

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