The AFIF 2017 Conference Report is now online

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the largest job creators in Africa. According to the World Bank, SMEs contribute to up to 45% of total employment and to up to 33% of national income (GDP) in emerging economies. However, SMEs are struggling to get access to finance, which is limiting their growth.

A diversified economy is indispensable to protect African countries from global financial, economic and environmental crises. SMEs are key to create a more balanced economy and therefore Governments should be responsible for building a welcoming environment for the private sector.

With this in mind, EMRC convened the 11th Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF 2017) at the Strathmore University in Nairobi, from 13 to 16 February 2017. Under the title “Entrepreneurship & Innovation 4 Growth”, the AFIF 2017 gathered over 200 participants to address the issues of access to finance in leading economic sectors in Africa – agriculture and agribusiness, infrastructure, energy and healthcare.

The conference report is now available HERE.

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We seek to empower the spirit of entrepreneurship in Africa

Facilitate access to finance
Connect businesses horizontally and vertically
Create an exchange of know-how
Engage the relevant Public-Private dialogue

Signature of a memorandum of understanding between CEMAC and EMRC

Ensuring food security, reducing poverty by increasing the integration and regional synergies of Central Africa (Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Chad, Central African Republic, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea) is the challenge of CEMAC (Economic Community of Central African States).

Volkswagen opens car assembly plant in Kigali

Rwanda assembly begins, at the rate of 1,000 a year, with Polo and Passat. Capacity for 5,000 units is planned
Rwanda assembly begins, at the rate of 1,000 a year, with Polo and Passat. Capacity for 5,000 units is planned

Volkswagen has launched integrated mobility in Rwanda which includes local vehicle assembly, mobility services and a sales and service retail outlet called CFAO Volkswagen Rwanda.

5 Most Innovative startups in Kenya

Kenya has positioned itself as one of the most prominent startup destinations in Africa.

With the rise of innovation hubs and accelerator programs in Kenya, there has been great growth for entrepreneurs with over 600 hundred start-ups in the country.

Access to internet and a great education system are also some contributors to the increase in startups and innovation.

Sub-Saharan Africa economy projected to grow at 3.1% in 2018 — World Bank

The World Bank said sub-Saharan Africa’s economy growth was projected to reach 3.1 percent in 2018, and an average of 3.6 percent between 2019 and 2020.

East Africa: Technology Helping East Africa Unlock Agriculture Potential

Addis Ababa — Information technology is being utilised more than ever to improve agriculture in East Africa.

Can the digital revolution transform agriculture?

The world talks a lot about the digital revolution, but few connect it to the coming agriculture revolution, especially in Africa. Digital solutions have huge potential for helping farmers boost productivity and connect to financial tools and markets around the world.