As part of ongoing plans to fuel entrepreneurial success in Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), has announced its intention to make the Abuja SME Expo a more frequent event—moving from an annual showcase to a quarterly or biannual gathering.
The decision follows the success and rising impact of the Expo, which has become a vital hub for business exposure, networking, and innovation since its launch in 2016. With over 1,200 businesses showcased and more than 11,000 visitors recorded in past editions, the Expo is evolving into more than just a marketplace—it’s now a springboard for small business growth and investor connection.
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A Platform for Funding and Growth
The 2025 edition, themed “Leveraging Financial Opportunities and Strategies to Mobilize Funding for Sustainable Growth,” is designed to help entrepreneurs better access funding, attract investors, and learn innovative strategies to keep their ventures resilient in a challenging economy. This aligns closely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to stimulate sustainable economic development across sectors.
Olawale Rasheed, Acting Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency, emphasized the shift as a strategic move to increase the Expo’s economic impact. By hosting the event more frequently, more entrepreneurs—especially those in underserved communities—can access the opportunities the platform offers.
A Boost for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The initiative also reflects broader efforts by the FCTA to empower local businesses through complementary programs such as the FCT-CARES scheme, the One Village One Product (OVOP) initiative, and various rural enterprise development trainings.
Stakeholders from across government and the private sector—NAFDAC, NASENI, and the World Trade Centre Abuja among others—continue to support the Expo, seeing it as a key driver of public-private collaboration and local content development.
With the proposed quarterly or biannual format, Smartpreneurs across the FCT and beyond can now look forward to regular access to funding opportunities, mentorship, networking, and visibility that can help turn promising ideas into thriving businesses.
