The AfDB-EMRC SME Forum attracted more than 300 delegates from 41 countries spread over 4 continents, especially from Africa.
Participants included entrepreneurs interested in securing finance for projects and seeking project partnerships, policy makers, financiers, technical assistance organizations, international financial institutions and bankers.
The presentations highlighted the financial and non financial barriers that SMEs face and focused on the most innovative financial tools and the role that commercial banks and other financial groups are playing in providing loans, equity and technical assistance. A distinctive feature of this forum was the organisation of business-to-business (B2B) meetings, where participants discussed practical business
and partnership proposals.
Despite the recognized importance of the SME sector as set out in the SME Finance Task Group Work Plan for 2011 (included as part of the G20 Principals for Innovative Financial Inclusion), studies show that SMEs, particularly those in the “Missing Middle” in developing low and middle-income countries, have historically lacked access to financial products and services critical to their growth. A concerted effort of the global community is taking place to address the financial and non-financial needs of this target group.
The AfDB-EMRC SME Forum was built on these efforts and identified the implications and opportunities in an African context.
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Information is the ‘food’ which feeds economic growth. Read the latest news impacting Africa’s Private Sector.
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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).
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.
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.
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.
Addis Ababa — Information technology is being utilised more than ever to improve agriculture in East Africa.
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.