The Pan-African meeting of SMEs managers, entrepreneurs, investors and government representatives convened by EMRC (www.EMRC.be), will take place from 13-16 February in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference will focus on entrepreneurship and innovation and access to finance in key sectors such as energy, water, ICT, health and agriculture.

Highlights of the AFIF 2017 official agenda (http://APO.af/y28Bux):

• 2-day training “Scaling an Entrepreneurial Venture” for entrepreneurs to provide the tools to present a business plan to potential investors and access to finance. (13-14 February) (http://APO.af/ta9FWO);
• Panel discussions with top experts, including speakers from several international organisations such as the International Finance Corporation (World Bank), Rabobank Foundation, Japanese Intl. Cooperation Agency, African Guarantee Fund, Strathmore University, Afreximbank, European Investment Bank African and several Chambers of Commerce. (15-16 February) (http://APO.af/JM5nx8);
• B2B pre-arranged business meetings between investors and entrepreneurs (15-16 February) (http://APO.af/aCO7rh);
• Awards Ceremony: Six African SMEs have been nominated as finalists for the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017, supported by the Rabobank Foundation. Out of the 51 projects from around the continent and following a few rounds of selection, the jury has selected these innovative projects from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania for their social, economic and ecological impact, and their potential for growth and job creation nationally and regionally. The winner will be announced during the networking dinner, on 15 February (http://APO.af/vsWGQz).

“Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the creators of the middle class in Africa, but access to finance remains a hurdle for entrepreneurs in the region,” explains Inês Bastos, AFIF manager. “To strengthen the private sector in Africa, AFIF offers a platform to promote new business partnerships between entrepreneurs and investors which will contribute to a sustainable development in Africa”.