Beyond Ecosystems:
Building Platforms That Help African Businesses Thrive
EDC brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, ecosystem builders, corporate leaders and development partners from across Africa to turn connections, ideas and opportunities into tangible action.
- Delegates
- 150+
- African Countries
- 10+
- Thematic Panels
- 6
- Days
- 2
Delegates
African Countries
Thematic Panels
Days
A Conference Built for Action
African entrepreneurship ecosystems have expanded rapidly — yet businesses still face real barriers to growth across the areas that matter most:
- Markets
- Technology
- Talent
- Infrastructure
- Policy
- Finance
- Cross-border growth
The EDC Pan-African SME Conference is designed to move the conversation beyond individual programmes and institutions towards connected platforms that enable businesses to thrive and scale.
Enterprise Development Centre (EDC)
EDC is a leading enterprise development institution focused on entrepreneurship education, business support, research, policy engagement and enterprise development — a part of Pan-Atlantic University.
Turning connections into opportunities, ideas into scalable ventures, and ecosystems into tangible impact.
What happens when good ideas meet the right platforms?
The Funding Gap
Businesses need clearer pathways to capital, investment readiness and financial opportunities.
- Which source of capital fits their stage?
- How should they communicate their opportunity?
- Are they investment-ready or simply ambitious?
The Visibility & Access Gap
Businesses need access to the right people, markets, networks and opportunities.
- Can the right audience find them?
- Are they visible where opportunity can find them?
- Do they have the network to turn interest into action?
This conference bridges both gaps.
Who Is This Conference For?
Entrepreneurs & SME Founders
Investors & Venture Capital Firms
Business Support Organisations
Development Partners & Donor Agencies
Corporate Leaders & Private Sector
Policymakers & Government Agencies
Technology & Innovation Partners
Academic & Research Institutions
Women & Youth Entrepreneurship Networks
Media & Communications Professionals
Two Days. One Ecosystem. A Clearer Path to Execution.
Dialogue & Direction
- Opening
Opening Keynote
Setting the Continental Agenda
- Plenary
High-Level Plenary
State of Africa's Enterprise Ecosystem
- Panels 1–3
Panel Sessions
Infrastructure · Finance · Policy
- Expo
Pan-African SME Expo
Showcase of products and innovations
- Connect
Investor Connect Sessions
Curated investor introductions
- Evening
Networking Reception
Relationships beyond the room
Six Conversations. One Bigger Mission.
Infrastructure
Building the infrastructure businesses need to grow.
Finance & Access to Capital
Connecting entrepreneurs to appropriate funding pathways.
Policy
Creating policies and systems that enable enterprise growth.
Women & Youth
Expanding meaningful opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs.
Technology & AI
Using technology and AI as practical tools for growth and productivity.
Scale & Growth
Helping African businesses move from potential to sustainable scale.
Where Products Meet the People Who Move Them
The SME Expo puts African businesses in front of the buyers, partners and investors who can help them grow — turning a showcase into real market access.
- A dedicated marketplace for African products, services and innovations.
- Exhibition tables for SMEs to showcase what they build.
- Direct access to buyers, partners and investors in one room.
Turning Interest into Investment
Investor Connect creates curated moments between businesses seeking capital and investors seeking opportunity — designed so the right conversations actually happen.
Curated, Not Crowded
Businesses are matched with investors aligned to their stage and sector.
Real Conversations
Structured introductions built for genuine follow-up, not fleeting pitches.
Investment Readiness
Guidance that helps founders show up prepared and fundable.
A Dedicated Space for Women Building the Future
The Women in Enterprise Forum moves beyond representation to real access — connecting women founders to capital, markets, mentorship and the networks that turn ambition into sustainable, scalable businesses.
Join the ForumPartner With Purpose. Show Up Where It Counts.
Three ways to put your brand at the centre of Africa's enterprise conversation — whether you're a growing business, a corporate taking a leadership position, or an organisation with something entirely your own in mind.
SME Partnership
For growing businesses that want to be in the room and be seen in it.
- ExperienceExpo table, session recognition and delegate passes.
- TrackerOwn a thematic panel, with a stage speaking slot and agenda co-design.
- AnchorPrime exhibition, press briefing and the full conference journey.
Corporate Partnership
For organisations taking a leadership position in the ecosystem.
- PlatinumFlagship panel ownership, prime exhibition and press briefing feature.
- GoldPanel presence, exhibition space and executive networking access.
- SilverBrand visibility across conference platforms, plus delegate passes.
Custom Partnership
Built around your objectives, audience and budget.
- Bespoke activationsBranded moments, workshops and delegate experiences designed with you.
- Programme sponsorshipBack a specific initiative — Women in Enterprise, Investor Connect, the Expo.
- In-kind & multi-yearContribute expertise, services or space, or partner with us beyond 2026.
Full benefits and investment levels are shared in the partnership pack — contact the conference team and we'll send the pack that fits your organisation.
Not Every Contribution Is Financial
There are many ways to help African businesses execute. In-kind partners bring expertise, access, tools and visibility that make the conference — and its participants — stronger.
Put Expertise in the Room
Contribute knowledge, mentorship or facilitation that raises the level of every conversation.
Remove Barriers to Participation
Support access — travel, passes or logistics — so the right people can be present.
Strengthen the Experience
Enhance the delegate experience through venue, technology, hospitality or production support.
Help Builders Execute
Offer tools, services or platforms that help entrepreneurs act on what they learn.
Open the Next Door
Connect participants to markets, networks and opportunities beyond the conference.
Extend Their Visibility
Amplify the conference and its participants through media, channels and audiences.
Be in the Room Where Africa's Businesses Move Forward
Two days of dialogue, connection and execution with the people building the future of African enterprise. Seats are limited.
Online
₦50,000
Livestream access to both conference days.
Regular
₦100,000
Full in-person access across both conference days.
Premium
₦250,000
In-person access with premium benefits across both days.
Answers to the Questions We Hear Most
Entrepreneurs, SME founders, investors, business support organisations, corporate leaders, policymakers, development partners, and academic and innovation partners from across Africa. The conference is built for decision-makers and business owners ready to move from conversation to execution.
Beyond Ecosystems: Building Platforms That Help African Businesses Thrive.
MTN Building, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
The conference supports both physical and online participation.
Use the Register Now button anywhere on this site to access registration.
Online attendance is ₦50,000, Regular (in-person) is ₦100,000 and Premium (in-person) is ₦250,000. Partnership pricing is shared on request — see the Partnership section.
Details will be announced shortly. Please contact us for group enquiries.
Yes. Partnership comes in three categories — SME, Corporate and Custom — outlined in the Partnership section. Contact the team for the pack and pricing.
Yes. The Pan-African SME Expo welcomes exhibitors. Use the Become an Exhibitor option to express interest.
EDC welcomes non-monetary and in-kind partnerships. See the In-Kind Partnerships section and email the conference team to discuss what you can offer.
Yes. Investor Connect sessions provide curated introductions between investors and businesses.
Details will be announced shortly.
Speaking opportunities can be requested by emailing the conference team with a short note on your proposed topic.
Email the conference team to discuss a custom partnership tailored to your objectives.
Let's Build Platforms That Help Businesses Thrive
Whether you want to attend, sponsor, exhibit, speak or partner — reach out to our team and we'll take it from there.
Enterprise Development Centre (EDC)
Pan-Atlantic University
Km. 22, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria