Access Bank Plc has announced plans to host the maiden edition of its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Conference on July 24, 2026, in Lagos, as part of its commitment to accelerating digital transformation and driving the growth of small businesses in Nigeria.
The conference, themed "AI for SMEs: Scaling Through Digital Tools," will be held at the bank's Head Office in Victoria Island, Lagos. It is expected to attract entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Nigerian MSMEs.
According to the bank, the event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions with representatives from the Presidency on Entrepreneurship Development, Mastercard, Huawei, World Trade Center Lagos, Dataleum, Aktivate Labs, and other key industry stakeholders.
Participants will examine emerging business trends, digital transformation strategies, and practical technology solutions that can help small businesses improve operational efficiency, increase productivity, and scale sustainably.
A major highlight of the conference will be the unveiling of the Access SME App, a digital platform developed to simplify business management for entrepreneurs. The application combines essential business management and financial tools into a single platform, enabling SMEs to streamline operations and drive business growth.
Speaking ahead of the conference, the Group Head of SME Banking at Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with innovative solutions needed to overcome growth challenges and remain competitive in today's digital economy.
He explained that the conference, alongside the launch of the Access SME App, will equip business owners with practical digital tools to strengthen their operations, promote innovation, and build resilient enterprises capable of thriving in an increasingly technology-driven business environment.
Olubitan added that the initiative aligns with Access Bank's broader strategy of supporting MSMEs through capacity-building programmes, technology-driven solutions, and improved access to business opportunities.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises remain a critical pillar of Nigeria's economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, innovation, and economic development. However, the sector continues to face challenges, including limited access to finance and low levels of digital adoption.
Access Bank stated that the conference and the new digital platform are designed to address these challenges by providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, digital tools, and strategic partnerships needed to unlock new opportunities for growth.
The bank urged interested entrepreneurs and business owners to register ahead of the conference.
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 has continued to champion the growth of Nigeria's MSME sector through financing, capacity-building initiatives, and digital innovation aimed at promoting financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
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