PS MANG’ENI URGES AFRICAN STOCK EXCHANGES TO UNLOCK GROWTH CAPITAL FOR MSMES.


By Elijah Odanga | Lolwe Digital Media

NAIROBI, Kenya, October 14, 2026 

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Susan Auma Mang’eni has urged securities exchanges across Africa to strengthen partnerships with small businesses and expand access to long-term financing to accelerate enterprise growth, create jobs and boost economic development.

Speaking during the official opening of the Africa Commerce & Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Mang’eni called for closer collaboration between governments, the private sector and capital market institutions to build competitive, resilient and inclusive economies.

The three-day summit, hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), brings together stakeholders in commerce and industry to discuss opportunities for business growth, investment and economic transformation.

Mang’eni said MSMEs remain the backbone of Africa’s economy, supporting livelihoods and providing employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women. However, she noted that limited access to affordable financing continues to hinder the growth of many enterprises and their ability to compete in regional and international markets.

She challenged African securities exchanges to go beyond traditional listing services and take a more active role in preparing MSMEs to access capital markets and other sustainable financing options.

According to the PS, exchanges should work closely with enterprises to strengthen corporate governance, embrace innovation, improve productivity and meet the requirements needed to attract investors.

She said equipping businesses with the knowledge and capacity to access stock exchange listings and other capital market instruments would open new opportunities for expansion, investment and job creation.

Mang’eni also urged the organisers of ACIS 2026 to place youth- and women-led enterprises at the centre of the summit’s discussions and activities, saying their growth would be critical to addressing Kenya’s employment needs.

She noted that Kenya faces an annual demand for approximately 1.2 million jobs, with MSMEs expected to account for at least 70 per cent of the employment opportunities.

The PS said strengthening the capacity of small businesses to grow and access financing would help them play a greater role in addressing unemployment while supporting inclusive economic development.

She further reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to working closely with KNCCI as the business organisation marks its 60th anniversary.

The partnership, she said, would focus on strengthening enterprise capacity, expanding market access and improving the competitiveness of Kenyan MSMEs in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Mang’eni emphasised that sustained cooperation between government agencies, business membership organisations and capital market institutions would be essential to transforming MSMEs into productive, investment-ready enterprises.

She said such collaboration would enable businesses to create decent jobs, contribute to economic growth and strengthen Africa’s position in global commerce.

The summit comes at a time when African economies are seeking innovative ways to mobilise domestic investment, expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and improve access to financing for businesses that form the foundation of economic activity across the continent.

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