The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is accepting applications from established small businesses seeking exhibition space at the Nigeria First Fair, part of the National MSME Conference scheduled for 8–10 November 2026 in Lagos. Applications for the 30 publicly available spaces close on 23 October, with selection decisions expected by 27 October.
What Does the Exhibition Offer?
The Nigeria First Fair will bring together 156 businesses from across Nigeria to showcase products and sell to visitors during the three-day conference.
Selected exhibitors can:
- Showcase and sell their products: Present their goods to visitors at the fair.
- Reach potential customers: The organizers estimate about 5,000 visitors per day.
- Access digital payment onboarding: Approved exhibitors will be onboarded to Ecobank’s digital payment platform.
- Connect with the business ecosystem: The conference brings together entrepreneurs, business support organizations and other stakeholders.
Important: This is an exhibition opportunity, not a grant. The published application does not promise cash funding, and businesses should not assume that booth approval includes a financial award.
Who Can Apply?
The 30 open spaces are intended for established small businesses that meet these requirements:
- CAC registration: The business must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
- At least two years of operation: The business must have been operating for two years or longer.
- SMEDAN registration: This is optional, but registered businesses may receive priority.
- Ecobank onboarding consent: Applicants must agree to onboarding onto the bank’s digital payment platform if selected.
Businesses from different sectors and states can apply. However, selection will consider business suitability and the need to maintain a balance across sectors and locations.
How Will Applications Be Assessed?
SMEDAN will review applications for the 30 publicly available spaces. The application process asks businesses to provide their identity and contact information, sector, state of operation, year founded, employee numbers and website or social media details.
Applicants must also explain what their business makes or sells and provide a short account of the business, its customers and future direction. At least three product images are required.
The application page says selection will consider business fit and sector balance. SMEDAN registration may give applicants priority, but it does not guarantee approval.
What Happens After You Apply?
The published process sets out three stages:
- 23 October 2026: Applications close.
- By 27 October: Applicants are expected to receive a selection decision.
- After approval: Selected businesses complete Ecobank onboarding and receive their booth allocation.
Submitting an application does not guarantee a space. Businesses should ensure their details are accurate and provide clear product images to support the review.
How to Apply
Applications are free and must be submitted through the official Nigeria First Fair booth application page before 23 October 2026.
Prepare your CAC registration details, business information, contact details and at least three product images before starting. SMEDAN registration is optional, but applicants who have a SMEDAN ID can enter it in the form.
Apply here: Nigeria First Fair — Booth Application
The fair gives established small businesses an opportunity to present their products to potential customers in Lagos. Businesses considering applying should review the eligibility requirements and submit complete information before the deadline.
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