Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University marks the 20th edition of its annual SME Conference by relaunching it as the Pan-African SME Conference, 16–17 November 2026 in Lagos
LAGOS, NIGERIA – For 19 years, the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University has brought Nigeria’s business community together at its annual SME Conference. This year, the conference reaches its 20th edition with a new name and a continental reach: the Pan-African SME Conference.
The conference is organised by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), in collaboration with MTN Foundation Nigeria, and in partnership with the African Network of Entrepreneurs (ANDE), the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Nigeria, Sterling Bank, TERAWORK, City Cars Rentals, and the School of Eloquence.
The two-day event will hold on 16 and 17 November 2026 at the MTN Plaza Rooftop, 1 Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Nigeria 2026. It is expected to draw more than 500 delegates from over 10 African countries, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate leaders, development partners and ecosystem builders.
The move reflects how far the conversation has come. Over two decades, EDC has helped build a stronger support system for Nigerian entrepreneurs through education, expert advisory,research, business support and policy engagement and the Centre recognises that across Africa, small businesses still face the same barriers to growth: access to finance, markets, talent, infrastructure, supportive policy and room to trade across borders. The 20th edition takes that conversation beyond Nigeria’s borders and beyond talk, with a focus on execution.
Speaking on the rationale behind the pan-African direction, Dr. Nnenna Ugwu, Head of Alumni Engagement and Support Services, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University said, “Twenty years ago, we set out to create a space where Nigerian entrepreneurs could learn, connect and be heard. That space has grown, and so have the businesses in it. But the challenges our SMEs face do not stop at our borders, and neither should the solutions. Taking this conference Pan-African is our way of saying the next phase is about building platforms that work for businesses across the continent, and making sure what is discussed in the room is actually carried out.”
Themed “Beyond Ecosystems: Building Platforms That Help African Businesses Thrive,” the conference will feature keynote addresses and thematic panels that spotlight the critical issues shaping the future of African businesses; from access to finance and markets and expanding intra-African trade, to scaling businesses, building future-ready talent, and harnessing AI, fintech and digital transformation for growth.
Beyond the panels, the convening includes a Pan-African SME Expo where businesses can showcase products to buyers, partners and investors; Investor Connect sessions that match businesses with investors aligned to their stage and sector and much more.
“Reaching a 20th edition is a testament to EDC’s consistency and to the trust the entrepreneurial community has placed in Pan-Atlantic University. This conference has always reflected our belief that SME growth is central to Africa’s development. As it grows into a Pan-African platform, it carries that belief to a much wider audience,” said Dr.Olawale Anifowose, Director,Programs and Partnerships, Enterprise Development Centre,Pan-Atlantic University.
For Sterling Bank, one of the conference’s supporting institutions, the emphasis on practical solutions aligns with its ongoing efforts to improve access to finance for Nigerian businesses. The Bank recently announced a $200 million SME credit backstop initiative in collaboration with Cascador, designed to address lending risks and expand access to financing for viable businesses. Donatus Okpako, Chief Marketing Officer of Sterling Bank, stressed the need for greater collaboration in addressing the barriers to SME growth.
“We have spent years discussing the potential of African SMEs, but the real measure of progress is how many of these businesses can access the financing, markets and opportunities they need to grow. At Sterling, we believe financial institutions have a responsibility to do more than provide capital. We must work with other stakeholders to address the structural challenges holding businesses back. That is why platforms like the Pan-African SME Conference are important. They create opportunities to move beyond conversations and build the partnerships that can deliver meaningful results for businesses across Africa,” he said.
Participation is available in person or online. Registration is open at panafricansmeconference.com. Organisations interested in partnering with the conference or exhibiting at the SME Expo can find details on the website or contact the conference team.
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About the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC)
The Enterprise Development Centre is the entrepreneurship development arm of Pan-Atlantic University. It focuses on entrepreneurship education, business development support, research, policy engagement and enterprise development. For 19 years, EDC has convened Nigeria’s small business community at its annual SME Conference. Learn more at www.edc.edu.ng
About the Pan-African SME Conference
The Pan-African SME Conference is the 20th edition of EDC’s annual SME Conference, relaunched in 2026 with a continental focus. Themed “Beyond Ecosystems: Building Platforms That Help African Businesses Thrive,” it connects entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and ecosystem builders to turn dialogue into execution. The 2026 conference is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week Nigeria and is supported by MTN Foundation Nigeria and GEN Nigeria. Visit www.panafricansmeconference.com
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank Limited is a full-service national commercial bank in Nigeria and a member of Sterling Financial Holdings Group. With a heritage of more than 60 years, the bank has evolved from Nigeria’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a trusted provider of retail, commercial, and corporate banking services.
Sterling is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast focus on its HEART strategy, which centers on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, showing how purpose-driven leadership can deliver transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
Guided by a culture of innovation and a passion for excellence, Sterling Bank remains dedicated to redefining the banking experience for millions of customers across Nigeria.
About TERAWORK
Founded in 2017, TERAWORK is a Nigerian talent platform that connects businesses with vetted African professionals for full-time, contract and freelance work. Its Smart Hiring Advisory and escrow-protected payments help businesses make the right hiring decisions and hire with confidence. TERAWORK is where businesses build, and where talent thrives. Learn more at www.terawork.com
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