LAGOS, Nigeria – The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, or SMEDAN, says it plans to help create 100 new millionaire entrepreneurs at the GROW Nigerian Conference 2026.

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‎The conference will run from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. The theme is “GROW Nigerian: The Next Frontier for Innovation, Policy and Market Access.”

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‎SMEDAN says the event will bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and development partners. The goal is to give small businesses the skills, money, markets and support they need to grow.

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‎The conference will offer hands-on masterclasses and grants. At the end of the classes, some participants will receive money to start or grow their businesses. A pitch contest called Zero to 100 will also give funding to promising businesses. The contest has a 100 million naira prize pool. Winners will get money at the conference and at another event in northern Nigeria. The final will be held on Nov. 10.

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‎SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii said many people have skills but lack tools and money to start. He said others have businesses but need help with pricing, finding customers and managing money.

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‎“Our ambition to create 100 millionaires brings these needs together,” Odii said. “We want entrepreneurs to leave with useful skills, financial support and connections.”

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‎The conference will also host the Nigeria First Fair, a market open to the public for all three days. Visitors can buy directly from Nigerian small businesses, find local brands and meet the owners. Organizers say it is a good chance to shop early for Christmas and end-of-year gifts. Big buyers and companies can also find suppliers and place gift orders.

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‎Oando Group Chief Executive Wale Tinubu will give the keynote address.

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‎Masterclass teachers include Chude Jideonwo, co-founder of Red Africa and Joy Inc.; Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, founder of Zapphaire Events; Teniola Chigbata, known as TennyCoco; Nelly Agbogu, founder of NaijaBrandChick; and Anita Natacha Akide, known as Symply Tacha. The classes will cover event management, beauty and makeup, building a beauty business and using artificial intelligence for marketing.

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‎Filmmaker Tola Odunsi will screen his new film “19” and hold live auditions for a film ordered by SMEDAN.

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‎Other leaders expected include Bank of Industry Managing Director Olasupo Olusi, Development Bank of Nigeria Managing Director Tony Okpanachi, NEXIM Bank Managing Director Abubakar A. Bello, NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye, Corporate Affairs Commission Registrar-General Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, and Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund Managing Director Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye.

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‎A business clinic will run throughout the conference to help owners with registration and rules. A NAFDAC summit on Nov. 9 will let business owners ask questions and learn about registration. NAFDAC will show its NAPAMS platform live.

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‎The conference opens Nov. 8 with the Nigeria First Fair and a Fashion and Food Showcase. The formal opening is Nov. 9.

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‎The event is organized with GIZ, through its Sustainable Economic Development Cluster, with support from Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and the European Union. Other partners include MTN and KOICA.

Lagos State is the host, and Ecobank is the partner host. Lagos Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to attend.