MSMEs

Small is beautiful for services exports
As LDCs currently face multiple crises, a services-led approach to development can help countries leapfrog and transform their economies. It is time to step up our efforts to help small firms both provide and access connected services. By working with actors at enterprise, business support ecosystem and government levels, we can weave a tapestry of support to take small businesses online and into the global trading system.

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.

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.

Women-run businesses getting a boost in Rwanda and Zambia
Small businesses are receiving support to access much-needed finance

In Tanzania, tackling markets to bolster small business
New project focusing on selected value chains from seaweed to honey in Tanzania.

In Lesotho, looking to expand from farming
Support efforts include new tools, from the tangible to the abstract

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.

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

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.

Investing in The Gambia’s small businesses
Artisan handbag maker taking her enterprise forward, and receiving new financing

Cooperatives help cross border traders stay in business during COVID-19
Originally published by THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION NEWS on 18 August 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.

Focusing on export development, Ethiopia’s small businesses seeing success
For a new business owner, one international trade fair got things rolling

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.

For this Ethiopian exporter, the future is in food
Finding new buyers and tapping new markets, harnessing agriculture’s potential

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

Women bringing home the goods at international textiles trade fair
Opportunities and challenges abound for Zambia entrepreneurs eyeing new markets

From kitchen to boardroom: One woman’s story of business success
In Zambia, a sweet idea spurs entrepreneurship

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.

Anne Kabahuma Kalinzi: Pushing for local handicrafts, readying for global business
Empowerment and markets are on this Ugandan woman’s agenda

In Uganda, enterprises bringing sensibility – and scents – to their development
Government plus grassroots combo laying foundations for MSME success

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.

Samuel Musoke: Cultivating one’s business while nurturing others in Uganda
In Masaka, mobilizing and educating the small enterprises that need it most

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.

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.

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

Homemade chili sauce means business for Malawi entrepreneur
After help finding new markets, one man’s chili sauce empire is taking off

In Zambia, enhancing women’s economic horizons
Launch of country’s SheTrades initiative to focus on agriculture and textile industries

Buba Jawneh: Managing a family cashew enterprise, readying for global commerce
In The Gambia, family-owned cashew processors are primed for expansion

Ibrahima Sittina Farate: As one woman innovates, a nation’s exports set to bloom
In Comoros, an essential oils doyenne has plans for her country’s unique yields

Entrepreneurs in action in Comoros
The ylang-ylang, vanilla and cloves that grow in Comoros are being used to spur economic growth, with young entrepreneurs leading the way

Talking trade strategies for small businesses, women, and youth
This session gathered ministers from LDCs and global leaders to discuss implementation of trade strategies and national-level plans in light of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Taking female-led businesses from local to global
International Women's Day discussion highlights the need for entrepreneurship and markets, and what comes next The flashing images show women from across the world at work – in fields and offices, on boats and streets, at home and abroad.

Comorian vanilla and clove exporters secure financing with ITC help
Project strengthens value chains of vanilla, clove and ylang ylang in the Union of the Comoros Originally posted at ITC News