Tag: SMEs
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Awash Bank’s Mesmer Digital Lending: A New Era for SME Financing in Ethiopia
Awash Bank Expands SME Financing with Mesmer Digital Lending Awash Bank has unveiled a new digital lending service designed to broaden access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Ethiopia. The Mesmer Digital Lending platform marks a significant shift toward streamlined, technology-driven lending that aims to reduce the traditional bottlenecks associated with SME…
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Awash Bank Unveils Mesmer Digital Lending Platform for Ethiopian SMEs
Reinventing SME Financing in Ethiopia Awash Bank has taken a significant step to redefine access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia with the launch of Mesmer Digital Lending. This new platform is designed to streamline the loan application process, reduce turnaround times, and provide SMEs with a more transparent and user-friendly…
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FirstRand Namibia Hosts Mid-Term Budget Dialogue on Economic Outlook
Public-Private Collaboration Drives Namibia’s Economic Outlook Namibia’s public and private sectors came together for a focused conversation on the national economic outlook at the Mid-Term Economic Breakfast Budget Review hosted by FirstRand Namibia. The event, held at the bank’s Parkside Head Office in Windhoek, underscored a shared commitment to open dialogue, evidence-based planning, and pragmatic…
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Nigerian Businesses Face Slower Cost Pressures Amid Insecurity Challenges
Overview: A Mixed Bag for Nigerian Businesses Recent analyses of Nigeria’s business landscape show a cautious improvement in October. While inflation has moderated, easing some operating pressures, many firms still contend with financing constraints, high property costs, and ongoing security concerns. The evolving environment suggests a resilience among entrepreneurs but also highlights the fragility of…
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Nigerian Businesses Struggle With High Costs And Insecurity Amid Moderating Inflation
Overview: A Mixed Picture for Nigeria’s Business Climate October brought a nuanced shift in Nigeria’s business environment. While inflation showed signs of moderating, reducing some pressure on operating expenses, companies continued to grapple with financing constraints, high property costs, and persistent insecurity. The combination of these factors has created a challenging backdrop for expansion, investment,…
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Survey Finds DPI Could Unlock Africa’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Overview: A Data-Driven Path to Entrepreneurial Growth A landmark survey from the Digital Productivity Initiative (DPI) highlights the potential for a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial landscape across Africa. Examining six diverse markets, the study reveals that secure digital payment rails and robust identity systems could dramatically lower the barriers to starting and scaling small…
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Nigeria Businesses Face High Costs and Insecurity: Update
Overview: A Still-Turbulent Business Landscape in Nigeria In October, Nigeria’s business environment showed a cautiously optimistic trajectory even as companies confronted persistent headwinds. While the broader inflationary pressure cooled slightly, many firms reported that the cost of doing business remains elevated. High financing costs, expensive property, and security challenges continue to constrain expansion plans, choices…
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DPI Could Unlock Africa’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs, Survey Finds
New evidence points to DPI as a catalyst for Africa’s entrepreneurial boom Leaders across six African markets are being urged to accelerate the adoption of digital public infrastructure (DPI) after a comprehensive survey found that secure digital payment and identification systems could dramatically power trade, reduce startup barriers, and help small ventures scale. The study,…
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Togo and AfCFTA Postpone Biashara Afrika Forum to March Next Year
Overview: A Strategic Move for Africa’s Continental Trade Agenda The governments of Togo and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have announced a postponement of the third edition of the Biashara Afrika Forum. Originally scheduled for November 3, the flagship trade and investment platform will now be held in March next year. The…
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Togo and AfCFTA Secretariat Reschedule Biashara Afrika Forum to March 2025
Overview: A strategic shift for Biashara Afrika The government of Togo, in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, has announced a postponement of the third Biashara Afrika Forum, Africa’s premier trade and investment platform under the AfCFTA umbrella. Previously set for November 3, the event will now take place in March next year. The reschedule reflects…