Namibia to host AU MSME Summit next week
54 Africa countries to converge in the capital
Namibia is set to host the 3rd Annual African Union Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (AU MSME) Forum from 9 to 13 September 2024. This landmark event is designed to foster financial empowerment and innovation for MSMEs across the continent.The AU MSME Forum is poised to be a transformative experience, bringing together over 200 entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and thought leaders from 54 African countries and beyond.
Adequately capacitated MSMEs can play a crucial role in job creation, economic diversification, and poverty alleviation, amongst others. The summit will thus serve as a platform for sharing best practices, innovative solutions, and policy frameworks that can empower these enterprises to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. This event aligns with Namibia's broader vision of becoming a key player in Africa's economic landscape by supporting the growth of its own MSME sector.
Likewise, the event’s objectives align with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board’s (NIPDB) mandate of promoting the development of Namibian MSME through interventions that enhance their capacity to grow and penetrate markets beyond Namibia, and contribute towards the country’s export basket.
On the programme
The forum will feature interactive sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing MSMEs today. The event is expected to attract high-level participation, including government officials, private sector leaders, and representatives from international organisations, all committed to advancing the MSME agenda in Africa.
For Namibian MSMEs, the event provides an opportunity to network and build potential partnerships with their counterparts from 53 African countries, to expand their businesses, particularly in the AFCTA, which aims to increase intra-Africa trade. The NIPDB will also host the first AU Chelete Cage—a business pitching platform dedicated to providing financial and non-financial support to MSMEs and startups.
The term "Chelete," meaning "money" in the Namibian language Silozi, captures the event’s focus on helping businesses address financing challenges.
The summit is made possible thanks to the contributions of the United Nations Development Programme Namibia (N$400 000), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (N$200 000), Momentum Metropolitan (N$300 000), Hollard Namibia (N$110 000), Bank Windhoek (N$200 000) and M&G Investments (N$200 000).