Access Bank to Host Maiden MSME Conference, Unveil SME App to Boost Small Businesses

LAGOS, Nigeria – Access Bank Plc will host the maiden edition of its MSME Conference on Friday, July 24, 2026, at its Head Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of efforts to accelerate the digital transformation and growth of Nigeria’s small businesses.

The conference, themed “AI for SMEs: Scaling Through Digital Tools,” will bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers and technology experts to examine how artificial intelligence and digital innovation can help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) improve productivity, expand operations and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.

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 industry stakeholders. Participants are expected to gain practical insights into digital transformation, emerging business trends and technology-driven solutions for sustainable business growth.

A major highlight of the conference will be the official unveiling of the Access SME App, a digital platform developed to help entrepreneurs manage and grow their businesses more efficiently. The application combines essential business management and financial tools in a single platform, enabling business owners to streamline operations and improve productivity.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Group Head, SME Banking, Access Bank Plc, Abiodun Olubitan, said the bank remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs with the resources required to grow sustainable businesses.

“Behind every small business is an entrepreneur with big ambitions. At Access Bank, our focus remains on impacting MSMEs across the country, empowering them with the resources they need to overcome barriers to growth and compete on a larger scale. We are committed to helping those ambitions become reality by creating opportunities to learn, innovate, and grow. Through this conference and the launch of the Access Bank SME App, we are equipping business owners with practical solutions that will help them navigate today’s digital economy, strengthen their operations, and build businesses that can stand the test of time.”

MSMEs remain a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, innovation and economic development. However, many small businesses continue to grapple with challenges such as limited access to finance and low levels of digital adoption.

Access Bank said the conference and the launch of the SME App form part of its broader strategy to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, digital tools and strategic partnerships needed to overcome these challenges and unlock new growth opportunities.

Registration

Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in participating in the conference are encouraged to click HERE to register.

About Access Bank Plc

Access Bank Plc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through more than 700 branches and service outlets across three continents and 24 countries, serving over 60 million customers worldwide.

The bank has maintained a strong commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s MSME sector through financing, capacity-building programmes and digital innovation. It has supported businesses across agriculture, manufacturing, trade and services while expanding access to finance for women- and youth-led enterprises in partnership with local and international development finance institutions.

Beyond financing, Access Bank continues to invest in digital platforms and advisory services aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of small businesses and promoting a more resilient and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This version is written in a more newsroom-style format, with a stronger lead, improved flow, and preserved the “HERE” registration link placeholder exactly as provided.