The MSME Forum recognizes Africa’s creative industry’s potential. This sector is driven by three key factors: a growing youth population, increasing urbanization, and a rising middle class with evolving consumption patterns. The creative industry encompasses diverse activities.

1. Firstly, it includes traditional cultural expressions like arts, crafts, and celebrations.
2. Secondly, it covers visual arts such as paintings, sculptures, and antiques.
3. Additionally, it involves design fields like fashion and jewelry.
4. Lastly, it encompasses creative services, including architecture, advertising, and cultural activities.

Investing in these creative industries offers numerous benefits. For instance, it can drive sustainable economic opportunities and improve local communities’ livelihoods. Moreover, it expands business prospects for small enterprises. Consequently, this investment contributes to the growth of related sectors, particularly tourism and manufacturing. By focusing on design, creative services, visual arts, and crafts, we can unlock the full potential of Africa’s creative economy.

The African Union MSME Forum recognizes the crucial role of small-scale farmers and agricultural businesses in Africa’s food security. Indeed, these small businesses are the backbone of the continent’s food systems, cultivating about 80% of Africa’s food. The MSME Forum offers several key opportunities for agricultural SMEs:

1. Scaling up impact: Participants can learn strategies to enhance small-scale farmer resilience. This includes access to training sessions on various topics offered by partners, which can help improve farming practices and productivity
2. Business model innovation: The forum provides a platform to explore innovative solutions and adapt to crises. This is particularly relevant given the changing economic landscape and the need for sustainable development.
3. Developing sustainable solutions: Attendees can collaborate on groundbreaking projects focused on better nutrition and sustainability. This aligns with the AU’s goal of increasing food production and accessibility across the continent.
4. Accessing opportunities: The forum facilitates connections between rural and urban farmers, as well as other key industry players. This networking can lead to new partnerships and market access.
5. Policy engagement: Participants can interact with policymakers to help shape innovative proposals for bridging the financial gap for agricultural MSMEs.

By participating in the MSME Forum, agricultural small businesses can gain valuable insights, connections, and resources to unlock their potential and contribute significantly to Africa’s food security. This aligns with the African Union’s broader goals of sustainable development and economic growth through agriculture.

Industrialization offers great potential for Africa’s economic growth and improved livelihoods.
Key sectors include:

1. Pharmaceuticals and vaccines
2. Medical and chemical products
3. Automotive industry
4. Processing industries (leather, cocoa, shea butter, soya)

By focusing on these areas, Africa can create sustainable opportunities and reduce imports.

Manufacturing in Africa brings several benefits:

1. Job creation: It provides employment across various skill levels. This ranges from factory work to research roles.
2. Economic growth: Producing and exporting high-value goods boosts GDP. As a result, the overall economy expands.
3. Technology transfer: Partnerships with international firms bring new knowledge. Additionally, investment in R&D introduces advanced technologies.
4. Economic diversification: Developing multiple industries reduces risks. Consequently, economies become more stable.
5. Enhanced value: Local processing adds worth to raw materials. Moreover, it creates opportunities for related industries.