Stakeholders to discuss AfCFTA possibilities for MSMEs

The National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), has said the 18th Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) summit and exhibition will

provide an avenue for industry experts to discuss a regulatory framework for full participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

This was disclosed in a statement by the Executive Secretary of NASME, Eke Ubiji, that the event is expected to draw attention to the huge potential of AfCFTA for economic development through job creation, income generation, and structural transformation of the economies of African countries in general and Nigeria’s economy in particular.

The event is scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Abuja, and tagged: “Positioning MSMEs for African Continental Free Trade Agreement Opportunities.”

“The event promises to attract stakeholders and captains of industries and participants from all walks of life to Abuja, to witness several activities that have been carefully lined up including panel discussions and networking.

“Others include exhibitions of locally manufactured products and services by our cherished MSMEs across Nigeria,” he said.

Issues of finance options for full participation in AfCFTA, threats and opportunities in creating a single market as well as enhancing competitiveness, and creating more profitable opportunities for MSMEs through the AfCFTA would be discussed.

Ubiji added that issues of finance options for full participation in AfCFTA, threats and opportunities in creating a single market as well as enhancing competitiveness and creating more profitable opportunities for MSMEs through the AfCFTA would be discussed.

The event will be declared open by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, while the keynote address will be delivered by the Minister of State, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Maryam Katagum.

Other dignitaries expected are Governors of the North Central states, Ministers of relevant Ministries, Director Generals/CEOs of Federal and State MDAs, and the Organized Private Sector (OPS).