Supporting Sustainable Business in Africa Through Capacity Building Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are a strong pillar of Africa’s economy. However, many such companies face challenges related to finance, skills, and market access. Through our SteamBioAfrica project we are working closely with MSMEs on capacity-building programmes focusing on sustainable entrepreneurship and financial management, enhancing local capacity, and fostering economic resilience. Africa enjoys one of the highest entrepreneurship rates globally, with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) playing a crucial role in the continent’s sustainable development*. However, a staggering 80% of African MSMEs fail within their first years, primarily due to limited access to finance, human resources, essential skills and business support services**. In collaboration with government bodies, business associations, international organisations, and private entities, the CSCP is actively engaged in strengthening capacity and training programs for MSMEs in Southern and Eastern Africa, grounded in a sustainability framework. Through workshops, seminars, online courses, and mentorship programmes, the CSCP is supporting MSMEs in the adoption of sustainable business models and financial expertise. For instance, since the launch of the SteamBioAfrica project in 2021, the CSCP has organised a series of capacity building workshops for MSMEs in the biomass sector in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, particularly targeting women- and youth-led enterprises to facilitate the commercialisation of new solid biofuel developed in the project. Some of the key topics addressed at the CSCP workshops included: Sustainable Business Models: Integrating environmental and social considerations into core business operations to align with corporate social responsibility and sustainable development principles. Business Plan Preparation: Crafting robust and viable business plans to guide strategic direction and attract potential investors. Sustainability and Circularity: Adopting practices that promote long-term sustainability, including circular economy principles. The CSCP provides a broader sense and purpose by applying principles like circularity, which lead to efficiency gains, new potential services, and collaboration throughout the supply chains, and introducing footprint and handprint models to quantify impacts. Operational Efficiency: Enhancing processes and systems to maximise productivity and reduce waste. Financial Planning and Management: Developing skills in managing cash flow, allocating resources wisely, and making informed investment decisions. The workshops also offered a platform for MSMEs to network with peers, mentors, potential funders, and partners, providing fertile ground for innovation and sustainable growth. New technologies and innovative approaches were emphasized as tools to increase competitiveness and long-term viability. The positive feedback from MSMEs underscores the impact of these initiatives. The CSCP is committed to expanding its capacity building and training to reach more MSMEs in Africa. Would you like to connect with us on this topic? Reach out to Kartika Anggraeni. *World Economic Forum 2023 ** KIPPA: The Nigeria MSME Report 2022