Following a resounding Pan-African start in June, the maiden edition of the African Medium Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) congress for energy and extractive industry will finally conclude in August 2026.

Themed: ‘Human-centered entrepreneurship in an AI-driven future: Economic empowerment for the next generation of MSMEs,’ the main congress, organised by Women School of Business and Leadership (WSBL) in collaboration with Blackgold Energy Authorities was held on June 27 2026, to commemorate United Nations World MSME Day.

The main congress featured representation from over thirty African countries across North, East, South and West Africa, and was addressed by veteran subject matter experts with deep expertise in MSMEs, energy and extractives local content development with core focus on putting people at the center of entrepreneurship.

They leveraged AI and digital tools for MSME growth and economic empowerment for the next generation.

The second part of the congress is a series of tuition-free master classes. The first cohort of the master class held from July 20 to 23 in Lagos, focused on oil and gas MSME business opportunities.

The second and third cohorts, slated for August will focus on MSME business opportunities in energy, power, renewables, extractives, critical minerals and mining sectors.

The series is designed to move MSMEs from knowledge to contract readiness, bankability, and vendor qualification.

Chief Executive Officer, Black Gold Energy Authorities and Co-convener, African Energy Congress Dr Oladunni Owo noted, “the new frontiers and growth we are witnessing in the energy and extractive value chain across Africa is unprecedented. From seismic to logistics, fabrication to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), power infrastructure to battery, minerals and mining — the opportunities are enormous. But opportunity without readiness is missed opportunity. This congress was designed to ensure African MSMEs are not spectators, but qualified vendors and owners in the imminent boom.’

The congress brought together delegates, policymakers, and business leaders from over twenty African countries, while tuition-free master class hosted by WSBL in Lagos, featured practical sessions and case studies.

The professionals include, Prof. Wumi Iledare, Emeritus Prof. of Energy Economics and the Director at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) Energy Business School; Dupe Oyeneyi, a supply chain expert, Yemi Kolesho and Toyin Aralepo, both energy finance and funding experts.

Others are, Dapo Omolade, a compliance and HSE expert, Ibitola Fabunmi, a gas development expert, Haoma Worgu a marketing and visibility expert, Blessing Egbe, a corporate AI expert among others.

According to Prof. Iledare, ‘MSMEs are the backbone of inclusive growth. What we are doing is demystifying the sector and giving participants a clear roadmap to become compliant, competitive, and contract-ready vendors in line with local content development frameworks.’

The principal sponsors include, Blackgold Energy Authorities Limited led by Dr Owo; BOVAS Group Limited led by Victoria Samson; Masters Energy Group, led by Patience Dappa; Yikodeen Nigeria Limited led by Yinka Atunde.

In conclusion, Dr Owo noted, ‘by aligning with the UN MSME Day theme of inclusive and sustainable growth, this congress will conclude successfully having produced a new generation of African MSMEs ready to take advantage of the business opportunities that will come with the new African oil and gas boom, energy transition, and mining expansion.’