“Small businesses drive the global economy, including through key sectors like agriculture. We equip small businesses to sell to new markets so they can earn more, create jobs and invest in their communities, supporting sustainable development”.

“Farming is a business – even smallholder farming. We need to invest in farmers and other rural entrepreneurs so they can grow more, innovate more, and reach more markets – building thriving, sustainable local economies as they go.”

“MSMEs are the heartbeat of African economies. They represent 95% of all firms and generate more than 80% of new jobs on the continent each year. They are the backbone of societies everywhere contributing to local and national economies, and sustaining the livelihoods of the working poor, women, youth, and groups in vulnerable situations. MSMEs hold the potential to transform economies, foster job creation, and promote equitable economic growth if given adequate support. Thus, a human-centered approach is key to the evolving circular economy, emphasizing the importance of individuals and communities in driving sustainable transformation.”

“This International MSME Day, we recognize the vital role that agricultural micro, small and medium enterprises play in driving sustainable development and economic growth worldwide. These enterprises, often headed by tenacious women and youth, form the backbone of many rural communities, providing employment, ensuring food security and fostering innovation. They are critical pillars of long-lasting community development. At Heifer International, we view smallholder farmers as agricultural entrepreneurs, and we have seen firsthand how they are able to transform their livelihoods and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous global food system with support like access to working capital, appropriate tools, and training. When agricultural MSMEs thrive, entire communities benefit.”

“Small businesses are dynamic producers of job growth and a productive job is the best route out of poverty both for the person and the wider community. This is why Argidius is focused on supporting the growth of viable productive firms, and the food sector plays an important role in this.”

“By investing in MSMEs, we can bridge the gap between small-scale farmers and larger markets, strengthen value chains, enhance productivity, encourage entrepreneurship and build resilient rural communities.”

“In sub-Saharan Africa alone, there are over 60 million small and medium scale businesses creating 80% of jobs. Considering the high unemployment rates plaguing the continent, these SMEs are a vital driver for development and progress. Their presence in almost every sector is significant in creating new markets and innovations that serve pressing needs. To have a healthy economy is to have thriving SMEs that contribute to the GDP. These businesses have not reached maximum potential but already contribute 50% to the total GDP of African countries, forming the backbone of many economies. On this world MSME day, we are served a reminder of the impact of MSME’s in our economies, and the need to invest in the future by ensuring micro, small and medium enterprises have the tools they need to thrive. There’s a lot of work in ensuring systematic changes that enable SMEs access talent, finance and markets simultaneously, in their drive towards scale. To do this, we need to upgrade the technological and financing capabilities of SMEs”.

“At CSAF, we recognize the important role of agricultural SMEs in rural communities. They are pillars of the local economy, create market linkages for smallholder farmers, and are well-positioned to employ women, youth, and indigenous populations. Agri-SMEs can play a pivotal role in reaching our collective climate goals by facilitating inputs and promoting climate resilient activities with farmers. However, financing the agricultural SME sector often is associated with heightened risks and high transaction costs – as impact investors, we choose to navigate these barriers and support agri-SME strengthening and growth in exchange for the social and environmental impact they create. As the sector evolves, we continue to call on donors to share in that risk and to strengthen SMEs’ management and operational capacity to navigate market, climate, supply chain, and other crises.”

“Looking at food systems here in Africa, over 60% of the workforce earn their living as smallholder farmers; and it is estimated that they produce over 80% of the food, at least for domestic markets. To achieve inclusive growth, eradicate poverty, and ensure food security, smallholder farmers need access to markets and services, and this is where MSMEs play a critical role. They drive innovation, inclusiveness and employment in our market systems in countless ways, supporting access to quality inputs, technology, finance; building capacity; and creating market linkages, among other. This is why we at Open Capital remain deeply committed to working with impactful African Agri-SMEs to achieve growth and drive systemic change, supporting them to navigate an increasingly complex food systems landscape, build resilience, and unlock their full potential.”

“We need to support smaller farming and agri-processing businesses so they grow to become the next generation of medium and large companies, which can deliver impact at scale and contribute to making Africa’s agriculture sector more competitive and resilient”

“The Missing Middle provide us with an inspiring opportunity to secure our urgent needs for grains such as corn, wheat and soybeans. Without them, the situation in Sudan would have been even more critical. Medium-sized producers represent one of the most important sides of the production process.”