Chris Infotainment

Fortis Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s MSMEs Nigeria's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are widely recognized as the backbone of the country’s economy. These businesses form the foundation of economic activity, driving innovation, employment, and local development. However, despite their critical role, many MSMEs continue to face significant challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability. Fortis, one of Nigeria’s earliest licensed mobile money operators, has taken a renewed interest in supporting these enterprises. The company has positioned MSMEs at the core of its long-term strategy as it transitions into a digitally driven, technology-first platform. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of digital infrastructure in enabling business success. A senior Fortis executive emphasized the vital role of MSMEs in the Nigerian economy, stating, “MSMEs have always been the life force of Nigeria’s real economy. What they lack is not ambition, c...

A Landmark Event for Rwanda’s MSMEs The inaugural Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Growth Symposium took place on Thursday, October 2, at the Kigali Convention Centre. Organized by Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) and the Mastercard Foundation, the event aimed to address the challenges faced by Rwanda’s MSMEs while exploring pathways for growth and resilience. The symposium was held under the theme “Driving a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem in Rwanda,” bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders, development partners, financial institutions, students, and entrepreneurs. Key Findings from the Rwanda MSME FinMap 2024 One of the highlights of the symposium was the launch of AFR’s first-ever “Rwanda MSME FinMap 2024.” This report provides a comprehensive assessment of MSMEs’ access to and use of financial ser...

A Landmark Event for Rwanda’s MSMEs The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Growth Symposium took place on Thursday, October 2, marking a significant milestone in the effort to support and grow Rwanda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Organized by Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) and the Mastercard Foundation, the event was held at the Kigali Convention Centre under the theme “Driving a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem in Rwanda.” The symposium brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders, development partners, financial institutions, students, and entrepreneurs. One of the key highlights of the symposium was the launch of AFR’s first-ever “Rwanda MSME FinMap 2024,” a comprehensive report assessing MSMEs’ access to and use of financial services in Rwanda. According to the findings, 38% of MSMEs identified access to f...

Key Details of the Agreement Between KBIZ and National Cohesion Committee The Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (KBIZ) recently announced a significant business agreement with the Presidential Committee of National Cohesion. This collaboration was formalized at the KBIZ headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 1st of this month. The primary goal of this partnership is to foster the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while addressing the growing issue of economic polarization. Through this agreement, both parties have committed to conducting joint research and investigations aimed at promoting mutual growth and cooperation between large and small businesses. They also plan to organize events, discussions, and meetings to identify effective policies that can support SMEs. Additionally, the two organizations have pledged to propose these policies to relevant government agencies, monitor their implementation, and collaborate on promotional campaigns to enha...