AFRICAN SME FORUM

The African Small and Medium Enterprises Forum (ASMEF) is an Africa regional membership platform that brings together SMEs, entrepreneurs and start-ups for better business growth, innovation, export promotion, imparting knowledge and education for transformation of their business activity, capacity building for global competitiveness, interface with policy makers, channelize finance and investment, joint ventures, technology transfer, exchange of know-how, setting up industries and expansion and diversification of business activities in Africa and abroad.

The Forum supports SMEs to identify emerging business and collaboration opportunities in the sub-regions and across Africa, North and South America, Japan and European countries. It provides a platform to SMEs for connectivity, domestic business growth, imparting knowledge, capacity building, interaction with CEOs of multinational companies, banks, financial institutions, government officials, investors, private equity/venture funds, technocrats, overseas SMEs, importers and exporters and larger companies. 

The Forum works for the growth of SMEs from manufacturing and service sectors in Africa. It works to attract foreign investments and export promotion, marketing, distribution and connectivity with buyers, importers, investors and strategic business partners from abroad. It provides insights for the preparation of policy and strategic framework for socioeconomic and industrial growth nationwide. It interacts with business tycoons, high-profile entrepreneurs, institutional and impact investors. The Forum also develops strategic partnerships with overseas SME-support organisations, companies, joint ventures, technology transfer, setting up industry, merger and acquisitions.

The African SME Forum is committed to socioeconomic growth and development. It was initiated based on the urgent need to mobilise and involve key stakeholders in development and empowerment of small, medium, micro enterprises from various sectors across the continent to realise their potential as vital resources contributing to national, regional and global development. The mission of the Forum is to integrate all SMEs, SME-related organisations, investment and trade promotion bodies to protect the interest of SMEs and to take up various issues with the government, public institutions, financial institutions, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders for appropriate actions, solutions, remedies, policy change and policy implementation. The Forum emphasises more on revival of and rehabilitation of sick, financially stressed and struggling African SME Sector.

Vision Statement

Our Vision is: “A vibrant and prosperous SME sector in Africa.”

Mission Statement

Our Mission is: “To serve as a leading, influential Forum serving as the voice for SMEs and SME-related organisations across Africa while facilitating and promoting a sustainable business environment for economic growth and prosperity; and representing and protecting the interests of SMEs, supporting their development, lobbying for a favourable business environment, connecting our members with opportunities, and promoting Africa as a preferred business and investment hub.”

Our Key Objectives

Our key objectives are to:

• Promote, coordinate and protect commercial and industrial interests of SMEs in Africa.
• Promote dialogue with policy makers to enact pro-business regulations and legislations especially for the benefit of SMEs.
• Build capacities of businesses especially small and medium enterprises through training for entrepreneurs, access to investors and markets, technology transfer information dissemination and exchange.
• Create a better understanding and complementary link between businesses and customers and investors.
• Stimulate business excellence ethics and accountability for its membership.
• Promote and encourage principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility among SMEs in Africa.