Economic Forum Series Announces Keynote Speakers, Panelists for the 2025 MSME Finance CEO Forum in Lagos

The Africa Global Economic Forum, owners of The Economic Forum Series (EFS) has announced an impressive line-up of distinguished keynote speakers and panelists for its prestigious MSME Finance CEO Forum.

The event scheduled to take place at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Expressway, Lagos, on August 29, 2025, is aimed at addressing the financial challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises.

The inaugural forum will bring together industry thought leaders across banking, fintechs, government policymakers, development finance, etc., to establish an actionable strategy for empowering MSMEs as catalysts for Nigeria’s economic growth opportunity.

With the theme, “Unlocking MSME Finance for Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy: Powering Growth through Policies, Innovation and Partnership,” the event will feature a series of high-level discussions focusing on innovative solutions and collaborative strategies.

The forum seeks to bridge the gap between financial institutions, non-financial institutions, and MSME stakeholders, fostering an environment where small businesses can access the capital and resources needed to thrive.

The powerful and high-profile speakers and panelists include: Mr. Qpeyemi Agbaje, Chairman, National Pension Commission,{PENCOM} and Founder/CEO, RTC Advisory Services Limited; Mrs. Chizoma Okolie, Deputy Managing Director, DMD, Access Bank Group; Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, MD/CEO, National Credit Guarantee Company Limited; Dr. Stanley Jacob, CEO, Zest Payments Limited and President, Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR); Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Mr. Ifeanyi Christopher Oputa, Director General, Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, and Mr. Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, News Central TV.

Others include, Sandra Enwezoh, Vice President, Digital Parners and Enablers, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard; Mr. Hassan Imam, Managing Director, Keystone Bank; Mr. Eric Ntumba, Managing Director and CEO, Baobab Nigeria; Mr. Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner, Operations, SEC Nigeria; Mr. Jude Onyeka Chiemeka, Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group; Mr. Eguarekhide Longe, MD/CEO, NASD Plc, and Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director/CEO, CSCS Nigeria Plc.
Africa Global CEO, Africa Global Economic Forum, Jude Ndu, stated: “MSMEs are the lifeblood of our economy. This forum is a crucial platform to bring together the brightest minds to tackle the persistent financing challenges they face. By fostering dialogue and forging partnerships, we can create a robust ecosystem that supports MSME growth and, in turn, accelerates Nigeria’s journey toward a $1 trillion economy.”

The MSME Finance CEO Forum is supported by Proshare Nigeria, the Office of the Vice President on MSMEs and Job Creation, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Office of the Federal Minister of State, Trade, Industry and Investment, and News Central TV.

These partnerships underscore a collective commitment to addressing the critical issues of MSME finance and fostering a sustainable economic future for Nigeria.

Attendance at the forum is by invitation. Media representatives are invited to attend and cover this landmark event.