The African Union MSME Forum is an annual event that focuses on the growth and development of MSMEs in Africa. This forum provides a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to come together and discuss various challenges. Moreover, they share valuable insights and explore numerous opportunities for small businesses in Africa.

The 3rd Annual AU MSME Forum will take place in Windhoek, Namibia from September 9-13, 2024, under the theme “Fostering Financial Empowerment and Educational Innovation for African Startups & MSMEs.”

The African Union MSME Forum pursues several important objectives to support the growth and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa.

Primarily, the forum aims to educate small businesses about various financial products and opportunities available to them. This knowledge empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions about their financial strategies.

Additionally, the forum emphasizes the importance of essential infrastructure for providing grants to MSMEs, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

The African Union MSME Forum is anticipated to host between 300 and 400 delegates from across Africa.

The attendees will include a diverse group of stakeholders such as African small business owners, directors of MSME development agencies from African Union member states, investors, policymakers, and development partners, among others.

This diverse representation ensures a comprehensive discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing MSMEs in Africa, fostering collaboration and the sharing of valuable insights.

The Third African Union MSME Forum emphasizes five priority sectors critical to Africa’s economic growth: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the Critical Mineral Sector, and Creative Industries. These sectors are pivotal for enhancing productivity and innovation across the continent, because

Agriculture remains a cornerstone, providing food security and employment opportunities.

Manufacturing is vital for industrialization and job creation.

ICT drives digital transformation and connectivity.

The Critical Mineral Sector is crucial for sustainable development and supply chain resilience, tapping into Africa’s rich mineral resources.

The Creative Industries contribute significantly to cultural preservation and economic diversification.

The Chelete Cage is an innovative platform featured on Day 3 of the African Union MSME Forum. This initiative plays a crucial role in supporting investment-ready startups by facilitating valuable connections with financiers and potential partners. 

By participating in the Chelete Cage, startups gain the opportunity to showcase their business models and growth potential, network with investors interested in African entrepreneurship, explore partnership opportunities with established businesses, and receive feedback and insights from industry experts. 

Yes, the African Union Commission has made provisions for virtual participation to ensure wider accessibility and inclusivity. For those unable to attend the forum in person, a livestream link will be provided, allowing remote participants to engage with the event’s proceedings in real-time.

Moreover, the virtual experience will be enhanced through online exhibitions. These digital showcases will offer participants an opportunity to explore innovative products, services, and ideas from MSMEs across Africa, regardless of their physical location. 

The African Union will not cover the cost of participation in the MSME Forum. Attendees are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and other related expenses.

This policy ensures that the forum can focus its resources on delivering a high-quality event and supporting the broader objectives of MSME development across Africa.

The detailed event agenda is available on our Agenda page. It includes session times, topics, and speaker information for each session.

This comprehensive schedule will help you plan your participation and stay informed about all the activities and discussions taking place during the forum.

Download the Agenda through the Agenda page. 

Yes, the forum includes a variety of panel sessions, side events, and breakout sessions on topics such as funding opportunities for MSMEs in Africa, digital transformation, and market expansion. Detailed information can be found on the Agenda page. These sessions are designed to provide valuable insights, foster networking, and facilitate knowledge exchange among participants.

Download the from the Agenda page.

While direct contact information is not provided, you can engage with speakers during their sessions and networking events at the African Union MSME Forum.