The event brought together diverse range of traditional entrepreneurs, startup founders, industry experts and thought leaders for a transformative experience of learning, earning, networking, and collaboration.

At the Trade Lenda Fair, a plethora of products, services, and innovative solutions across various industries were showcased. The exhibitors came from across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Kwara state, reflecting the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and creativity that defines SMEs in Nigeria.

One of the key highlights of the event was the keynote address by the Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who shared his journey of entrepreneurship from 1979 till date. 

Several masterclasses were conducted by industry leaders and subject-matter experts within the SME ecosystem in Nigeria. These in-depth workshops on starting, financing, marketing and systems development provided participants with actionable insights, practical strategies, and knowledge essential for driving their business growth and adapting to evolving market trends.

The panel sessions, another feature of the event, was facilitated by notable SME brands and SMEs enablers who shared their stories, expertise, valuable insights and perspectives on subjects such as starting, scaling, digitalizing and leveraging interventions. The deep dive conversations served as interactive dialogue, sparking new ideas and approaches that have the potential to reshape the SME landscape.

Another high point was the award of prizes to the tune of N5 million to the top five winners of the pitch competition. The first prize winner (Posh Meals) also won an all-expense trip to Qatar.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and outcome of the Trade Lenda Fair,” said Adeshina Adewumi, CEO, Trade Lenda and Convener of the Trade Lenda Fair.

“The event provided a unique opportunity for SMEs to connect, learn, and collaborate. The masterclasses and panel sessions, in particular, empowered attendees with the knowledge and inspiration needed to elevate their businesses to new heights.”

He further added that “the success of Trade Lenda Fair can be attributed to the unwavering support of our sponsors: Providus, Eazipay, RedCloud, Paystack and our partners Techeconomy, Credo, Baobab+, Lagos Business School, Shuttlers, Niteon, Changera, Money Africa, LSETF, TechNext, TechCabal and TechPoint. Their collective enthusiasm and dedication have created an environment of innovation and growth, contributing to the event’s impact on the SME ecosystem.”

The Trade Lenda Fair has set a new benchmark for facilitating meaningful interactions, fostering learning, and igniting inspiration within the SME community in Nigeria. As the curtains draw on this year’s event, the organizers look forward to building on this success and continuing to empower SMEs with opportunities and solutions that propel them towards prosperity.

More about Trade Lenda

It is Nigeria’s premier digital lending fintech brand and the Trade Lenda Fair is an annual flagship platform that brings together SMEs, industry experts, and stakeholders to showcase their offerings, share knowledge, and foster collaboration., the event aims to empower SMEs with the tools, insights, and connections needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has re-echoed why the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment of the economy must not be neglected.

In a lead presentation at Trade Lenda SMEs Fair today in Lagos, Chief Obasanjo said SMEs form the ne of every thriving nation.

“SMEs must be seen as the base of industrialization. In different climes, you have small businesses develop components of a product; let’s say, a computer. One business produces the motherboard, the other develops the chips and you have another one that builds the casings. When these are assembled, they are shipped to different countries. That is how SMEs help a nation to grow, create jobs and that way we ensure skills acquisition.

The former President of Nigeria who championed local content development especially in the ICT sector, added that this model can be replicated in the nation’s economy for value addition.

“This entails we will be building a new generation of farmers. We will ensure food security and     

Earlier, Adeshina Adewumi, the convener of Trade Lenda SMEs Fair said that supporting the segment of the economy is the only way to create job.

It is high time we walked the talk. A whole lot has been said at different fora, but this is the defining moment for businesses.

“Trade Lenda SMEs Fair is not just focused on exhibitors, wholesalers and retails alone, we want the leaders gathered here to share their wealth of experience to trigger more creativity, innovation and interests in our entrepreneurs. This is designed as a huge learning experience through the masterclasses. As part of the event, SMEs were provided opportunity to pitch their business to investors and cumulative N5,000,000 cash prizes were disbursed.

Trade Lenda SME Fair 2023 in lenses:

The fair has received major support from key stakeholders within the MSME ecosystem and has also gathered massive interest from thousands of MSME from across Nigeria.

“We noted with keen interest from the registration data that over 85% of interested participants for the exhibition, masterclass/panel sessions and pitch competition are domiciled in the Lagos mainland axis, while 15% are domiciled in neighbouring States like Ogun, Oyo and Osun.

“Based on insights from this data and in alignment with our brand’s mission of enabling financial inclusion for all MSMEs at the Fair, we have decided on a change of venue from Lagos Island to Lagos Mainland.

“We understand that ‘ease of access’ is critical to achieving inclusion for all categories of MSMEs at the Trade Lenda Fair and we have taken this into consideration in selecting a new venue that reduces the logistics challenge for participants from the Lagos mainland axis and niegbouring States”, Oyin Olaniyan, Acting Chief Operating Officer at Trade Lenda told Techeconomy.

New Venue Details:

Venue: The Goodland

Address: Ifako Bus-stop, Oworonshoki Expressway, Lagos

Date:  Saturday 19th August, 2023. (Same Date)

Time:  9am.

Continuing, Olaniyan said, “Despite the change of venue, we want to assure all stakeholders that the Fair’s date and time remain unchanged, hence for those who have previously registered as exhibitors and masterclass attendees etc, at the Fair, your registration and tickets remain valid for the new venue.

“We understand that changes can sometimes be inconvenient, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption this adjustment may cause. Our primary goal is to ensure that participating MSME’s have a seamless experience to, during and from the Fair”.

The event is set to take place on August 19, 2023.

This extraordinary event promises to be an unparalleled gathering of innovative SMEs, Startups, visionaries, disruptors, and industry leaders, creating a unique ecosystem designed to drive business growth, foster innovation, and shape the future of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

What sets Trade Lenda Fair apart is its commitment to driving real results. This edition will be a game-changer for small business owners, investors, and business enthusiasts alike, providing an unrivaled platform for sales, networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Attendees can expect a captivating lineup of influential speakers, exhibitions by SMEs and Startups, dynamic panel discussions, and invaluable opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for driving positive change through business.

The theme for this year’s event is “Empowering SMEs: Driving Innovation, Collaboration, and Growth for Nation Building.”

With a steadfast focus on fostering an ecosystem that fuels the success of SMEs, Trade Lenda Fair will provide a platform for businesses to thrive, offering invaluable resources, expert insights, and game-changing products from startups to scale their businesses.

Another unique fact about the Trade Lenda fair is that the exhibition is FREE for selected SMEs. The goal of Trade Lenda fair is to create a vibrant platform for SMEs to earn, learn and collaborate.

With a focus on empowering SMEs, Trade Lenda Fair 2023 will showcase the latest industry trends, innovative solutions, and cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing the business landscape.

Exhibitors and attendees will gain insights from successful entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders, providing them with the tools and inspiration needed to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth.

In addition to exhibiting, selected SMEs who apply will also have the opportunity to be a part of the Trade Pitch, a pitch competition for SMEs, judged by a panel.

Three (3) winners will walk away with cumulative gifts worth N5 Million, including cash, preloaded dollar card by Changera, courses to scale their businesses and 1 hour consultation with financial management expert Oluwatosin Olaseinde, on managing their finances properly to grow their business.

One of the key highlights of Trade Lenda Fair 2023 is the diverse range of curated experiences and interactive sessions tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries and sectors.

From keynote address, panel sessions, master class, pitch session and exhibition which cuts across SMEs and Startups, the Trade Lenda Fair creates an opportunity for connection, collaboration and exploration of new avenues for growth.

“We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Trade Lenda Fair 2023,” said Adeshina Adewumi, Founder and CEO of Trade Lenda. “This event is a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the incredible potential of SMEs in Nigeria. We have meticulously designed an experience that offers immense value, providing attendees with the tools, connections, and inspiration they need to drive their businesses forward. Trade Lenda Fair 2023 is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!”

Registration for Trade Lenda Fair 2023 is now open, and we encourage all ambitious SMEs and Startups to secure their booths early as spaces are limited.

Be a part of the Trade Lenda Fair 2023 and discover a world of possibilities, ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, and accelerate your journey towards success.

To register as an SME to exhibit, click here

To register for the Trade Pitch competition, click here

To register for paid master class or to attend, click here, early bird tickets are FREE.

For sponsorship and booths (for brands and startups), email oyindamola@tradelenda.com.

Trade Lenda Fair is supported by Changera, One Kiosk Africa, Money Africa, Ladda, Niteon, Eventprime, TechCabal and TechEconomy.

Trade Lenda is a leading platform dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. Through a comprehensive suite of financial services, strategic partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, Trade Lenda aims to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create a thriving ecosystem that supports the success of SMEs.