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VERSION:2.0
PRODID:unctad.org
BEGIN:VEVENT
UID:6a51069159a59
DTSTART:20250409T110000Z
SEQUENCE:0
TRANSP:OPAQUE
DTEND:20250409T123000Z
LOCATION:Online and Kampala\, Uganda
SUMMARY:Side event on enhancing SMEs’ integration in regional value and s
 upply chains for job creation and sustainable growth in African vulnerable
  countries 
CLASS:PUBLIC
DESCRIPTION:Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are central to Africa
 ’s economic transformation\, representing a significant share of employm
 ent\, innovation and GDP. However\, their integration into regional value 
 and supply chains remains limited\, particularly in vulnerable countries. 
 This virtual side event emphasizes the importance of strengthening SMEs’
  participation in regional markets as a pathway to job creation and inclus
 ive economic growth\, particularly under the African Continental Free Trad
 e Area (AfCFTA).  Co-organized with the Uganda Ministry of Trade\, Indus
 try and Cooperatives\, this side event will take place during the Eleventh
  Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) to address the c
 ritical role of African SMEs in driving job creation and economic growth. 
 The thematic focus of the session aligns with Agenda 2063 by reinforcing t
 he role of SMEs as engines of sustainable development. By addressing pers
 istent challenges such as limited access to finance\, regulatory barriers 
 and infrastructure gaps\, the panel discussion will delve into actionable 
 policy solutions\, innovative financing instruments and digital tools that
  can unlock SME potential. It will also showcase successful models of SME 
 integration and facilitate dialogue between policymakers\, private sector 
 actors\, financial institutions and development partners. The interactive 
 session will include a Q&amp\;A segment to engage the audience.&lt\;p&gt\;
 &lt\;span data-contrast=&quot\;auto\n\nView meeting on unctad.org\nhttps:/
 /unctad.org/meeting/side-event-enhancing-smes-integration-regional-value-a
 nd-supply-chains-job-creation-and
DTSTAMP:20260710T144953Z
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