TDF strategy plan to benefit underserved groups

Genesis was commissioned by the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB) to develop a five-year strategy for its fully owned subsidiary, the Trade and Development Fund (TDF).

The mission of TDF is to provide alternative financing solutions for clients in TDB Group member states, with a particular focus on groups that are traditionally underserved such as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women and youth.

To do this, TDF had recently been structured into three workstreams: the Investments Workstream providing MSME financing; the Technical Assistance Workstream providing technical assistance to TDB borrowers; and the Academy Workstream providing capacity-building services. The aim of Genesis’ assignment was to develop an overall, harmonious TDF strategy that took into account the three workstreams.

In developing the strategy, the Genesis team conducted in-depth consultations with internal stakeholders as well as a detailed review of internal documentation that included existing strategies for the three workstreams. In addition, secondary research was conducted.

The output of the project was a strategy document in the form of a report that contained the strategic direction and vision for TDF. Specific strategic initiatives were also identified to drive the strategy for the next five years.