Access Bank Plc will host the maiden edition of its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference on July 24, 2026, in Lagos as part of efforts to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the growth of small businesses in Nigeria.
The conference, themed “AI for SMEs: Scaling Through Digital Tools,” will take place at the bank’s Head Office in Victoria Island and is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers and technology experts to examine how artificial intelligence can enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Nigerian MSMEs.
According to the bank, the event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and interactive sessions with representatives from the Presidency on Entrepreneurship Development, Mastercard, Huawei, World Trade Center Lagos, Dataleum, Aktivate Labs and other industry stakeholders.
Discussions will focus on digital transformation, emerging business trends and practical technology solutions that can help small businesses improve operations and scale sustainably.
A major highlight of the conference will be the launch of the Access SME App, a digital platform designed to simplify business management for entrepreneurs.
The application integrates key business management and financial tools into a single platform to help SMEs operate more efficiently and expand their businesses.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Group Head of SME Banking at Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan, said the bank remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources needed to overcome growth challenges and compete effectively.
He noted that the conference and the launch of the SME App would provide business owners with practical digital solutions to strengthen their operations, foster innovation and build resilient enterprises capable of thriving in the evolving digital economy.
Olubitan added that the initiative aligns with the bank’s broader strategy of supporting MSMEs through capacity building, technology-driven solutions and improved access to opportunities.
MSMEs are widely regarded as a key driver of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, innovation and economic growth. However, the sector continues to grapple with challenges such as limited access to finance and low digital adoption.
Access Bank said the conference and the new digital platform are aimed at addressing these constraints by providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and strategic partnerships required to unlock new growth opportunities.
The bank encouraged interested business owners and entrepreneurs to register for the conference ahead of the event.
Access Bank, a subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, operates more than 700 branches and service outlets across 24 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia, serving over 60 million customers.
The bank said it has continued to support Nigeria’s MSME sector through financing, capacity-building initiatives and digital innovation aimed at promoting financial inclusion and job creation.
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