Invest Africa has partnered with Google, KPMG, DHL, Aon, and 4G Capital to launch a new programme that seeks to support over 500 African Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The programme, dubbed The Next Generation Africa Forum, is scheduled to take place on 16th September, virtually, using a digital platform to connect MSMEs across the Continent with practical support from leading VCs, banks, incubators, and multinational tech companies.

Through a series of free-to-access interactive workshops, pitches, and discussions, the Next Generation Africa Forum seeks to offer MSMEs the support they need to thrive in a challenging economic context. The sessions will build pathways to formality, prepare businesses for investment, accelerate growth, and manage digital risks.

Furthermore, Next Generation Africa aims to provide a strong platform to foster collaboration between financial services, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Applications are now open for MSMEs to secure a place at the Forum.

MSMEs account for 70 percent of Africa’s employment, forming the backbone of Africa’s economies and are the engine of the region’s job creation drive. With a high proportion of informal enterprises, many of Africa’s MSMEs, which already faced significant challenges, have been hard hit by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Invest Africa is a leading trade and investment platform for African markets. Although its headquarters are in London, Invest Africa also operates in Johannesburg, Cape Town, New York, and Dubai. It has more than 400 member companies globally, comprising multinationals, institutional investors, private equity firms, professional service organisations, development finance institutions, government bodies, and entrepreneurs.