Dr. Shenaz Gargory presents a mixed-method study examining how small and medium enterprise density contributes to employment growth and poverty reduction across Africa. Using country-level panel data from 2010 to 2022, the study finds that higher SME density is associated with greater employment, higher incomes, lower poverty, stronger technology adoption, improved access to finance, and higher GDP per capita. Case studies from Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda illustrate how finance, technology, and supportive policies can strengthen SME-led development. The presentation concludes with five policy priorities: expanding finance, improving institutions, promoting digitalization, investing in skills, and supporting regional SME clusters and value chains.
