Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the world economy, accounting for most businesses across nearly every region. In the developing world, SMEs make up 90 percent of the private sector and create more than 50 percent of jobs in their corresponding economies. In Africa, SMEs provide an estimated 80 percent of jobs across the continent, representing an important driver of economic growth. Sub-Saharan Africa alone has 44 million micro, small, and medium enterprises, almost all of which are micro. For these businesses to grow, create more jobs, and generate economic growth, they need access to capital. Fifty-one percent of these vital businesses, however, require more funding than they can currently access. Credit constraints are a serious challenge for SMEs. Without reliable sources of working capital, SMEs are unable to make investments needed for growth, leading to stagnation. Given the importance of SMEs as a source of employment, barriers to accessing financing become barriers to poverty reduction and economic growth.

Join us, as we uncover Why start ups fails, Barriers of entry, The power of Pivoting, and Rebuilding SMMEs with Keitumetse Lekaba. Keitumetse Lekaba is the Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) at I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR. In her current role, she leads the strategy, development and implementation of Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Programmes.