Mang’eni urges African securities exchanges to unlock growth capital for MSMEs
By Faith Wanza
NAIROBI, Kenya, October 14, 2026 — Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Susan Auma Mang’eni has called on African securities exchanges to strengthen partnerships with small businesses to expand access to long-term financing and accelerate enterprise growth across the continent.
Mang’eni said improved access to affordable capital was essential to enabling MSMEs to expand operations, create jobs and compete effectively in regional and international markets.
Speaking during the official opening of the Africa Commerce and Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, she urged securities exchanges to go beyond traditional listing services and actively support enterprises in preparing to access capital markets.
She said closer collaboration between governments, business membership organisations and capital market institutions would help build competitive, resilient and inclusive African economies.
“MSMEs are the backbone of commerce and industry across Africa,” Mang’eni noted, highlighting their contribution to livelihoods and economic opportunities, particularly for young people and women.
However, she observed that limited access to affordable financing continued to constrain the growth of small businesses, preventing many from expanding their operations and taking advantage of emerging market opportunities.
The PS challenged African securities exchanges to help MSMEs strengthen corporate governance, embrace innovation, improve productivity and meet the requirements for accessing capital markets.
She said preparing businesses for stock exchange listings and other capital market financing instruments would create alternative avenues for raising funds, reducing their reliance on conventional sources of credit.
According to Mang’eni, such partnerships would enable enterprises to secure sustainable financing, expand production and create employment opportunities while contributing to Africa’s broader economic development.
She also called on the organisers of the three-day ACIS 2026 summit, hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), to prioritise youth- and women-led enterprises in discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening commerce and industry.
Mang’eni said MSMEs would play a critical role in addressing Kenya’s annual demand for approximately 1.2 million jobs, noting that the sector was expected to account for at least 70 per cent of these opportunities.
She emphasised that strengthening the capacity of small businesses was necessary to ensure they could generate sustainable employment and provide more young people with opportunities to participate in the economy.
The PS further reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to working with KNCCI as the organisation marks its 60th anniversary.
She said the partnership would focus on strengthening enterprise capacity, expanding market access and improving the competitiveness of Kenyan MSMEs.
Mang’eni noted that business membership organisations had an important role in connecting enterprises with markets, technical support and opportunities for growth, while capital market institutions could provide financing pathways for businesses ready to scale up.
She called for sustained cooperation among government agencies, private sector players and financial institutions to transform MSMEs into productive, investment-ready enterprises capable of competing in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
The summit provides a platform for stakeholders in commerce and industry to explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and enterprise development, with a focus on strengthening African businesses and expanding their participation in regional and international trade.
Mang’eni said coordinated efforts to improve access to capital, strengthen business capacity and open new markets would help MSMEs drive inclusive economic growth, create decent jobs and strengthen Africa’s position in global commerce.
ENDS
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