MSMEs

February 22, 2022 - Annabel Sykes and Michelle Kristy

Tracing Rwandan coffee digitally for inclusive trade

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong digital presence has, more than ever, become a key element for small businesses in the coffee sector to access new buyers and benefit from international markets.

January 25, 2022 - Natasha Smith

Why trade finance matters to unlock LDCs' trade potential

A better access to trade finance in least developed countries (LDCs) could allow businesses to have the financial tools to participate in national, regional or global trade.

September 21, 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

Women-run businesses getting a boost in Rwanda and Zambia

Small businesses are receiving support to access much-needed finance

September 14, 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

In Tanzania, tackling markets to bolster small business

New project focusing on selected value chains from seaweed to honey in Tanzania.

September 07, 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

In Lesotho, looking to expand from farming

Support efforts include new tools, from the tangible to the abstract

August 03, 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

Where's the money in shea?

July 06, 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

In Cambodia, going with the (rice) grain

Resilience is necessary in the rice trade, developing it requires many About 80% of Cambodians are rural farmers, and rice is the country’s main crop. But, until the last decade or so, the sector had not been living up to its potential.

May 25, 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

Striving to take the local handicrafts of northern Lao PDR global

More training, more links to buyers of rural arts means more income for women

February 02, 2021 - Deanna Ramsay

In Ethiopia, finding plenty in processing

January 21, 2021 - Violeta Gonzalez Behar, Deanna Ramsay

Opinion: How the pandemic exposes power imbalances in global supply chains

Photo: An apparel worker at a garment factory that reopened amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

September 30, 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Investing in The Gambia’s small businesses

Artisan handbag maker taking her enterprise forward, and receiving new financing

September 02, 2020 - Violeta Gonzalez Behar, Toyin Abiodun

Cooperatives help cross border traders stay in business during COVID-19

Originally published by THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION NEWS on 18 August 2020

August 18, 2020 -

Launching a small business, leveraging trade fairs

Biruktawit Begashaw started her own export company, Qine Trading, five years ago in Addis Ababa. Her business got a boost after attending Gulfood in Dubai, sponsored through Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Enhanced Integrated Framework.

August 18, 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

Focusing on export development, Ethiopia’s small businesses seeing success

For a new business owner, one international trade fair got things rolling

May 14, 2020 -

Small business owner in Ethiopia sees a future in ag products

Tewodros Yilma of Alpha Trading in Ethiopia discusses his business processing and exporting agricultural products, the role of trade fairs and his plans for the future.

May 14, 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

For this Ethiopian exporter, the future is in food

Finding new buyers and tapping new markets, harnessing agriculture’s potential

April 20, 2020 - Michelle Kovacevic

Young designer shaking up Gambia’s fashion industry

Taking traditional African prints and making them modern, a female entrepreneur is aiming to go global – armed with the right business tools

March 30, 2020 - Deanna Ramsay

In Niger, creating promise in leather

November 18, 2019 - Michelle Kovacevic

Women bringing home the goods at international textiles trade fair

Opportunities and challenges abound for Zambia entrepreneurs eyeing new markets

November 11, 2019 - Michelle Kovacevic

From kitchen to boardroom: One woman’s story of business success

In Zambia, a sweet idea spurs entrepreneurship

October 29, 2019 -

Talking trade, and making 'Made in Vanuatu'

See how Vanuatu is recovering from the effects of Cyclone Pam, and how one handicrafts seller is striving for "Vanuatu made" to become the norm.

September 09, 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

Anne Kabahuma Kalinzi: Pushing for local handicrafts, readying for global business

Empowerment and markets are on this Ugandan woman’s agenda

August 19, 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

In Uganda, enterprises bringing sensibility – and scents – to their development

Government plus grassroots combo laying foundations for MSME success

August 19, 2019 -

What do small businesses in Uganda need to succeed?

In Masaka District in Uganda, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mutungi discusses what small businesses in his district need to succeed, and what trade means in his agriculture-focused area of the country.

July 30, 2019 - Deanna Ramsay

Samuel Musoke: Cultivating one’s business while nurturing others in Uganda

In Masaka, mobilizing and educating the small enterprises that need it most

July 29, 2019 -

What challenges lay ahead for a small business owner in Uganda?

Noah's Ark owner Samuel Musoke discusses his small business and what he needs to succeed from Masaka District in Uganda.

March 11, 2019 - Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)

New project aims at increased exports for Lao PDR’s businesses

LUANG PRABANG – 11 MARCH 2019 – Lao PDR’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) have officially launched a new effort to increase the country’s exports and support investments in business development.

December 13, 2018 - Michelle Kovacevic

Speaking from the heart: Empowering women to share business ideas

EIF has been working with hundreds of entrepreneurs for the past few years, to help them build and implement strategies for brand promotion, participate in regional and international trade fairs, improve in processing capabilities and value addition as well as provide support to cooperatives

October 29, 2018 - Deliby Chimbalu