Now reading: Bridging the Gap: Unpacking segmentation approaches and the MSE landscape in Kenya, Uganda and India

MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity


Improved economic opportunity and more resilient livelihoods are key to sustainable development in emerging markets. Interventions designed to support micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), startup ecosystems and more established value-chains need to be effective in unlocking innovation and employment if they are to contribute to economic growth. Cenfri undertakes several areas of related work including:

Digital economy diagnostics
Support for fintech innovation and research on the platform economy
Digital transformation of MSMEs (including innovations in logistics and digital tools for tourism businesses)
MSME finance – payments, credit, investment and resilience (rethinking insurance to meet MSME needs and better manage the risks they face)
MSME segmentation
Technical assistance to the private sector
Scenarios linked to the future of work and food security

MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity

Bridging the Gap: Unpacking segmentation approaches and the MSE landscape in Kenya, Uganda and India

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) are crucial drivers of economic growth in emerging markets, yet there is a persistent financing gap that restricts their access to essential capital. This financing challenge affects their ability to scale, manage cash flow, and build resilience against economic shocks, stifling both growth and sustainability. One

MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity

The untold realities of women cross-border traders

A diagnostic study on women cross-border traders between South Africa and Lesotho, Malawi and Mozambique​  Informal cross-border trade plays a significant economic role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), making up an estimated 30-40% of total intra-regional trade. It is valued at an estimated USD (United States Dollar) 17.6

MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity

Innovating to improve MSME resilience in Uganda

As in many other developing countries, Ugandan MSMEs play a fundamental role in the economy – accounting for a substantial share of GDP, driving innovation, and employing a large part of the population. However, MSMEs face various risks that often hinder their development and growth.   MSMEs are underserved by insurance

Digital Transformation & Data

Why doesn’t Kinyarwanda have a word for “Data”?

Data is the fuel on which the information economy runs; it has allowed businesses like Google, Facebook, Netflix, Amazon and others to grow exponentially by providing their customers with customized content and tailored services. Many companies now use data analytics and its derivatives, machine learning and AI, to understand their

Webinar: Building the resilience of MSMEs in Uganda - Insights for the financial sector
MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity

Holistic risk solutions for MSME resilience in Egypt

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Egypt Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play a fundamental role in the Egyptian economy – they drive more than 80% of GDP growth and 40% of total employment – but they face considerable risks that hinder their ability to thrive. Insurance could bolster

Nairobi, Kenya - February 6, 2014: Ripe fruits stacked at a local fruit and vegetable market on February 6, 2014. Nairobi, Kenya. The market is frequently visited by locals and tourists.
MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity

Private sector partnerships for MSME resilience: Learnings from Africa

Opportunities await insurers and tech providers who are willing to work together Insurance is a key tool that provides businesses with protection and resilience against risks and that enables them to better bounce back from shocks experienced. However – despite its potential positive impact – micro, small and medium enterprises

MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity

The role of different partners for effective MSME insurance

Insurers can partner with digital platforms, lenders and insurance aggregators to offer better products that matter for MSMEs.   Despite being heavily underfinanced, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are critical drivers of economic growth and contribute substantially to employment and innovation. They account for 50% of global employment and 90%

Digital Transformation & Data

Applying a gender lens to trade finance

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered engines of economic growth and development, especially in developing economies, yet they continue to be disproportionately rejected from trade finance. However, there is evidence that this barrier is not impacting all SMEs the same: women owned SMEs are more likely to be rejected

Bridging the MSME identification gap
MSMEs, Ecosystems & Economic Opportunity

Insurance for MSMEs

The GIZ Compendium on how to improve insurance for MSMEs in a number of countries.  The work compiled in this compendium includes knowledge-building products, training concepts for MSMEs and the insurance industry as well as innovative approaches to design and deliver insurance and risk management services to MSMEs.