icro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) constitute the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and play pivotal roles in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. According to research by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), MSMEs account for the overwhelming majority of business entities in Nigeria and contribute substantially to employment generation, income creation, and domestic value addition. They are particularly important for youth employment and women’s economic empowerment and serve as key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and local economic diversification. In the context of Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, MSMEs remain central actors in promoting structural transformation, poverty reduction, and resilience in the face of economic shocks.
At the same time, the global economy is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Technological innovation, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), is reshaping production systems, financial services, trade, and public administration. Generative Artificial Intelligence (gen AI), which refers to AI systems capable of producing text, images, analytical outputs, simulations, and automated decision-support tools, represents a new frontier in digital innovation. For Nigerian MSMEs, the adoption of generative AI technologies offers the possibility of reducing operational costs, improving financial management, strengthening access to market opportunities, and enhancing product and service innovation.
This workshop takes place in this context. It seeks to establish a structured and inclusive platform through which policymakers, MSME entrepreneurs, financial institutions, innovation hubs, and development partners can jointly explore pathways for the inclusive adoption of generative AI in Nigeria. By fostering collaborative problem-solving, the session aims to contribute to a development-oriented AI ecosystem that supports resilient MSMEs and accelerates transformative progress for accelerating sustaianble development.
