MSME development
Overview
MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) are recognised across the world as drivers of socioeconomic growth and development. They make a significant contribution in boosting public revenue collection, employment creation and economic empowerment, as well as provision of goods and services to the public.
MSMEs face distinct challenges that limit their access to markets and operation capacity. Examples include limited formal documentation, lack of access to quality supplies and modern techniques, lack of networks and connections, limited access to finance, and limited capacity.
Projects
Diagnosing the MSME development challenge in four countries
Genesis partnered with the prominent private foundation to diagnose the MSME landscape in four countries of interest. The foundation was new to the area of MSME development and required guidance on how best to diagnose the key growth constraints and programming opportunities for MSME development.
Building robust M&E system to measure impact of enterprise programme
Genesis Analytics was hired to develop the monitoring and evaluation system of Seedstars - an international social enterprise based in Geneva aimed at supporting high-growth entrepreneurs. Seedstars has seven offices in developing markets which act as workspaces and support centres for the entrepreneurs.
Measuring the impact of Mowgli's mentoring of SMEs
Genesis Analytics was contracted by Mowgli Mentoring to act as a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) partner to Mowgli Mentoring and provide M&E support with a particular focus on building a competitive evidence base to prove the impact of its mentoring programme.
Related Focus Areas
Youth: Our focus is on girls and young women
Africa is experiencing an unprecedented youth wave. Our focus in youth is on young girls over the next five years so that no one is left behind in the development of the next generation.
Gender equality describes a world in which women and girls have equal access to resources and opportunities and where their participation, contributions, and decisions are valued and rewarded as much as those of men.
For this reason Genesis looks at all its projects through a gender lens so we can find the opportunities for gender equality and address the barriers that keep women and girls from being fully active in their homes, economies and societies. We can’t achieve progress if half the world’s population is left behind and their potential and talent are left untapped.
Agriculture and agribusiness
Africa’s agricultural sector is critical to sustainable economic development. It supports economic opportunities in rural communities, the alleviation of poverty and plays an essential role in food security. Genesis works across the public-private interface for governments, donors, philanthropic and private sector clients.
Unlocking the sector’s potential requires a combination of political will, enabling regulatory frameworks, improved access to finance, skills investment and climate change adaptation. An understanding of these interlocking factors underpins our approach to programme design and implementation.
Financial inclusion
Financial inclusion remains an acute challenge across Africa, with many people in the sub-Saharan region lacking access to basic financial products and services, such as credit, savings and insurance products. The effects of financial exclusion fall disproportionately on particularly women, low-income groups, rural inhabitants and small businesses. These groups have traditionally been underserved by traditional financial services. Genesis has built deep expertise in driving financial inclusion across these groups in Africa.
Gender and development
To reach the full potential of the continent, we have to harness the full capacity and ability of the population by ensuring that women, who make up half of the population, are empowered to contribute in an equitable, productive and safe manner.
Gender equality describes a world in which women and girls have equal access to resources and opportunities and where their participation, contributions, and decisions are valued and rewarded as much as those of men.
For this reason Genesis looks at all its projects through a gender lens so we can find the opportunities for gender equality and address the barriers that keep women and girls from being fully active in their homes, economies and societies. We can’t achieve progress if half the world’s population is left behind and their potential and talent are left untapped.
Economic opportunity
Expanding access to economic opportunity is essential for improving lives and livelihoods, generating jobs and creating wealth. The private sector plays a leading role in delivering economic growth and is increasingly expected to do so in a way that is inclusive and sustainable.
There are a number of ways in which businesses, foundations, governments and development organisations work to support private sector development. These include developing inclusive market systems; supporting the creation of quality jobs; developing value chains and access to markets for businesses; development of the financial sector and supporting access to finance; MSME development; capital markets development; and overall business enabling environment.