Women-Led SMEs Take Center Stage at ECA's North African Economic Forum

Thursday 24 October 2024 - 09:51

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has concluded a significant policy dialogue in Rabat, Morocco, focusing on empowering women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across North Africa. The two-day high-level meeting marked the culmination of a comprehensive two-year initiative aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems in Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Sudan.

The initiative addressed critical challenges facing women entrepreneurs through targeted workshops covering essential aspects of business development, including financial access, market analysis, digital transformation, and climate resilience strategies.

Adam Elhiraika, Director of the ECA office for North Africa, emphasized the dialogue's focus on creating favorable conditions for SMEs. "Our discussions explored policy frameworks that can enhance SMEs' contribution to North Africa's economic transformation, particularly in areas of resilience, financial accessibility, and opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area," he stated.

The gathering brought together high-ranking officials from participating nations to develop strategies for strengthening SME resilience against economic and environmental challenges. Discussions centered on several key areas:

- Economic diversification through SME development
- Gender-inclusive business practices
- Innovative financing solutions
- Climate adaptation measures
- Addressing policy barriers affecting productivity
- Integration into global value chains

Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Riad Mezzour, highlighted the vital role of SMEs in the national economy. "SMEs form the foundation of our economic structure, with a remarkable 50% survival rate in their first five years," he noted. Mezzour also outlined Morocco's supportive policy framework, which includes enhanced access to public markets, certification programs, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Despite their potential to drive economic growth and create jobs, women-led enterprises in North Africa face substantial obstacles. UNESCO's Maghreb office director, Eric Falt, presented striking statistics: "In Morocco, while SMEs provide 86% of formal employment, only 15.3% of new businesses are led by women, with just over 12% in leadership positions."

Key challenges identified include:
- Limited access to financial resources
- Property ownership barriers
- Market access restrictions
- Insufficient professional networks
- Informal sector constraints

The ECA, established in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, continues its mission to promote economic and social development across Africa through regional integration and international cooperation. This latest initiative demonstrates the organization's commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth by addressing gender-specific barriers in the business sector.