Developing Africa’s MSME sector key to drive AfCFTA

Kenya's government is taking aggressive steps to rework legislation in order to drive the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a specific focus on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Susan Auma Mang’eni, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for MSMES Development in Kenya, highlighted the importance of developing the MSME sector to boost economic growth and create sustainable jobs in the country. She emphasized the need to support MSMEs, particularly those operating in the private and informal sectors, to help them scale up, become more competitive, and contribute significantly to the economy. This shift in focus comes as the government aims to align its policies with the objectives of the AfCFTA and other international trade agreements. Mang’eni discussed the challenges and strategies involved in updating the MSME policy framework to address the evolving needs of the sector and promote inclusive growth. By prioritizing the development of MSMEs, Kenya is positioning itself to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and enhance its global trade partnerships.