Empowering MSMEs Through Sustainable Finance in Africa

This week, financial sector leaders gathered for a pivotal training on fostering the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the context of climate change and sustainability.

The training, co-hosted by the Central Bank of Eswatini, focused on the urgent challenges facing MSMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly as they relate to climate risks, limited access to green finance, and regulatory hurdles. Discussion centered around the role of financial regulators, emphasizing that their responsibilities now extend beyond ensuring financial stability—they must also champion the transition to a greener, more inclusive economy. A key initiative highlighted during the event was the development of Eswatini’s Green Taxonomy, part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable finance and climate resilience among local businesses. The dialogue underscored the importance of crafting tailored Inclusive Green Finance policies, especially those that address the distinct barriers encountered by women-led MSMEs, which constitute more than half of Eswatini’s sector but often lack adequate support and resources.

This event marked a step forward in mobilizing coordinated action for an inclusive and environmentally sustainable financial system, signaling that regulators and policymakers are committed to empowering MSMEs as essential drivers of sustainable economic growth.