I had the distinct privilege of representing Nigeria at a prestigious Ministerial Roundtable, where I joined Honourable Ministers of Small Business Development and other distinguished counterparts from across Africa. This gathering brought together leaders who are deeply committed to the advancement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent, providing an invaluable opportunity to discuss and shape policies that will drive African entrepreneurship forward.
At the core of our discussions lay the imperative need to create policies that foster cross-border partnerships and economic integration. One of the key messages I emphasized during the roundtable was that trade cannot flourish without access—access to markets, access to capital, and access to opportunities. SMEs are the heartbeat of African economies, but without access, their potential remains untapped.
Our challenge, therefore, is to democratize this access across the continent. Market access is critical for SMEs to grow and compete on a global scale, but they also need the capital to scale their operations and innovate. By addressing these two vital needs—market and capital access—we can empower African entrepreneurs to expand beyond their local borders and participate in the larger global economy.
One of the key outcomes of the roundtable was the Declaration of Intent signed between South Africa, represented by Honourable Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and Algeria, represented by Honourable Minister M. Yacine El Mahdi Oualid. This agreement is a major milestone in our collective effort to enhance cross-border collaboration, particularly in the realm of SME development. The Declaration serves as a framework for future partnerships, providing a solid foundation for initiatives that will drive economic growth and development across Africa. It signals a shared commitment to removing the barriers that hinder SME growth, such as limited market access and insufficient capital resources.
The discussions at the roundtable took place against the backdrop of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, a vibrant platform where leaders from around the world converge to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Our participation in this global event reinforced the need to align our African agenda with global trends, ensuring that African SMEs are well-positioned to take advantage of international opportunities.
In conclusion, the Ministerial Roundtable was a critical step forward in advancing our collective agenda of African entrepreneurship and SME development. Together, through partnerships and collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of Africa’s SMEs and drive sustainable growth across the continent.
