WHO WE ARE

The African SME Finance and Investment Network, Inc. (ASFIN) is a regional network of impact investing organisations and leaders in the finance and investment ecosystem that use finance and capacity building to serve African SMEs. Innovation, integrity, human dignity and the protection of the environment are at the core of our operations. By setting an example, we lead the transformation of investment and finance in our respective communities, countries and regions and expand our reach and impact by supporting African SMEs on the way to growth and prosperity.

As a movement of innovative leaders and frontrunners in sustainable SME finance and investment, our collective goal is to make the African SME financing system grow and become more transparent and support positive economic, social and environmental change. The Network mobilises key stakeholders and resources to support the creation of an impact economy by identifying international, regional and domestic opportunities and resources for change and innovation that help achieve SME growth and financial sustainability in Africa.

In doing this, it spearheads efforts to bring more investable opportunities in Africa, raises impact investing awareness, build regional intermediation capacity, advocates for better impact investment regulations and SME financing in African communities. The Network aims to become an influential international cross-sector coalition dedicated to driving more capital to improve lives, the economy and the environment across Africa. 

Our Vision Statement

Our collective goal is to see a vibrant and prosperous SME sector in Africa; promote finance at the service of African SMEs and the planet; and change the African SME financing ecosystem so that it is more transparent, supports economic, social and environmental sustainability, and is composed of a diverse range of financial institutions and investors serving the real economy across the continent.

Our Mission Statement

Our purpose is to expand and strengthen the practice of values-based SME financing, and to lead the way for a financial system and investments that promote growth, social equity, responds to the climate emergency and delivers true and lasting prosperity and well-being for all African SMEs.

In pursuit of this mission, ASFIN seeks to serve as a leading, influential forum serving as the voice for SME financiers, investors 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 financiers and investors, 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

As a regional organisation, ASFIN’s key objectives are to: 

• Promote, coordinate and protect commercial and industrial interests of SME’ financiers and investors in Africa.
• Promote dialogue with policymakers to enact pro-business regulations and investor-friendly legislations especially for the benefit of SMEs and SME’ financiers and investors.
• 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 complementarity between SMEs and investors.
• Stimulate business excellence ethics and accountability for its membership.
• Promote and encourage principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility among SME’ financiers and investors in Africa.

Our Core Values and Operating Principles

ASFIN’s members have a shared commitment to find unique solutions to SME problems – and to promote a positive, viable alternative to the current SME' financial needs. These organisations believe that we must improve the quality of life for everyone on the continent, recognising that we are economically interdependent and responsible to current and future generations.

While the members are heterogeneous in terms of their business models, their size, and the markets they operate in, they share the Principles of Values-Based SME Financing which underpins all that they do.

ASFIN embraces the following set of core operating principles that guide the work of the organisation:

• Social Justice and Equity - We promote equality, dignity and a more just society, especially in dealing with SMEs.
• Gender Equality and Diversity - Our work will reflect and promote respect for gender and diversity issues.
• Autonomy – We shall strive for and safeguard the interests of SMEs to existence and collaboration and growth at all times.
• Accountability – We shall hold ourselves accountable to the highest level of ethical behaviour and responsibility for our actions,  while maintaining integrity in our performance.
• Collective Action and Solidarity - justified by our mission, We shall stand with and by other global, regional and national SMEs when they are faced with challenges in their work.
• Unity in Diversity - We celebrate diversity in the global and African SME sector but strive to achieve growth amongst African SMES and with other like-minded actors and disciplines.
• Self Sufficiency – We shall work towards sustainable development outcomes.
• Leadership – We shall strive to provide leadership and strategic direction for the sustainability of the African SME ecosystem.