In commemoration of the 2026 International Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, UNDP Nigeria, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, convened the Fashion, Leather and Creative Enterprise Spotlight, a two-day platform designed to showcase Nigeria’s growing creative economy and strengthen opportunities for enterprise growth, innovation and investment.

The event featured Special Guest Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa; underscoring UNDP’s commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems and expanding opportunities for creative enterprises and young entrepreneurs across Africa.Held at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub in Ikeja, Lagos, the event brought together over 300 entrepreneurs across the fashion, leather and creative value chains alongside policymakers, development partners, financial institutions, buyers and investors.

The spotlight event served as a platform to connect emerging and established enterprises with markets, knowledge and financing opportunities through exhibitions, masterclasses, policy dialogue, and strategic networking sessions. The event highlighted the role of MSMEs as a key driver of economic transformation in Nigeria, while placing particular emphasis on the potential of creative industries to generate jobs, strengthen local manufacturing and expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event, representatives noted that fashion, leather and creative industries continue to demonstrate significant potential to contribute to inclusive growth and economic diversification across Nigeria.

The Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Honourable Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe said, stated that - "We are commemorating readiness,not only by celebrating enterprise but by investing in the systems, infrastructure and partnerships that helpgrants,esses thrive. Lagos State recognizes the immense potential within the fashion, leather and creative sectors and remains committed to creating pathways that support innovation, enterprise growth, and sustainable livelihoods."

In her remarks, Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson mentioned that "The creative economy is increasingly becoming an important contributor to jobs and inequalities,opportunities." By strengthening ecosystems around skills, infrastructure and market access, we are positioning entrepreneurs to compete and scale." 

Speaking on creating an enabling environment for businesses, Mrs. Hauwa Adeeyo-Orekoya, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment said: "Businesses require more than policies and programmes; tangible support that empowers entrepreneurs to innovate, grow and build sustainable enterprises is required. As part of our continued commitment to strengthening MSMEs and expanding opportunities for businesses to scale, we are pleased to support five outstanding enterprises from this event with grants of up to NGN 1 million. Through initiatives like this, we are helping entrepreneurs turn potential into impact and ideas into sustainable growth."

Representatives from UNDP emphasized the importance of strengthening enterprise ecosystems and supporting entrepreneurs with the tools and partnerships needed to grow sustainable businesses.

Speaking as Special Guest at the event, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, stated that: "MSMEs remain at the centre of inclusive economic growth, and creative enterprises represent an important frontier for innovation, employment and resilience. Through partnerships such as this, we are helping entrepreneurs move beyond survival toward growth, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability."

Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, also emphasized the role of collaboration in enabling enterprise growth: "Our goal is to connect talent with opportunity. By bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, financiers and ecosystem partners, we are creating the conditions for businesses to access markets, financing and capabilities that enable them to scale and create impact."

Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in discussions on institutional procurement, business growth strategies, export readiness and access to finance. Financial institutions and partner organizations also provided information on loans, grants and investment opportunities available to enterprises seeking growth capital. As global attention increasingly turns toward MSMEs as drivers of development, the Fashion, Leather and Creative Enterprise Spotlight underscored the role of strategic partnerships in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs and positioning the country’s creative industries for greater impact.

About UNDP Nigeria

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, working in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the promise to leave no one behind, UNDP partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to help nations build integrated, people-centered, and future-ready solutions to today’s complex development challenges.

In Nigeria, UNDP is driving a new era of development through its Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), a bold, system-wide approach that delivers high-impact solutions across Nigeria’s diverse regions. At its core are five flagship portfolios focused on innovation, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy; trade, investment and financing for development; integrated, clean and decentralized energy systems; accelerated community development; and the Made in Nigeria initiative. Together, they enable inclusive, locally led growth, while deepening institutional capacity and unlocking scalable, future-ready development pathways. Learn more: https://www.undp.org/nigeria

About Lagos State Government

The Lagos State Government continues to drive policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening enterprise development, promoting innovation, and creating economic opportunities for businesses and citizens across the state.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg

Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships Lead 

christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org

For programme enquiries:

Edith-Casely Fordjoe | Programme Analyst – Inclusive Growth | edith-casely.fordjoe@undp.org