This UNECA funded assignment sought to understand the challenges and opportunities that MSMEs face in growing their participation in national, regional and global value chains. It prioritized cases where innovation has facilitated increased participation and utilisation of preferential and global trade agreements by MSMEs.
The objective was to strengthen capacities of MSMEs in Southern Africa, focusing on how they can leverage innovative approaches to address competitiveness challenges during and after adverse shocks like the COVID pandemic.
This assignment involved country visits to Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. The final deliverable was a selection of case studies based on findings from research on technology and innovation among MSMEs in Southern Africa.
Read more from the final report; MSMEs, value chains and trade development in Southern Africa, prepared by Imani’s senior trade and regional integration expert, Dr Nicholas Charalambides and Khwima Singini.