Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment Relations, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has called for a major change in how African countries approach small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stressing that businesses must be recognised as key drivers of economic development rather than simply beneficiaries of government and development programmes.
Speaking at the 2026 AFLIGA Thought Leadership Series, Dr. Pelpuo said Africa needs to reposition SMEs at the centre of its economic transformation agenda.
According to the Minister, empowering small and medium-sized businesses to become engines of development is essential to achieving the goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063 and promoting sustainable economic growth across the continent.
He emphasised the important role SMEs can play in job creation, entrepreneurship, innovation, poverty reduction and private-sector development, particularly as African countries seek to expand economic opportunities for young people.
Dr. Pelpuo’s call comes amid growing discussions about strengthening Africa’s private sector and creating an enabling business environment where SMEs can access finance, markets, skills and investment opportunities needed to expand their operations.
The Minister argued that SMEs should not be viewed merely as recipients of development assistance but as active participants in driving Africa’s economic transformation.
Positioning SMEs as engines of development, he noted, could help African economies unlock their productive potential, generate sustainable employment and build more resilient local economies in line with the continent’s long-term development goals.
The remarks at the AFLIGA Thought Leadership Series highlight the increasing importance of SME development, entrepreneurship and private-sector growth in advancing Africa’s economic future.
Source: newsthemegh.com