Small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda could soon get an opportunity to expand their scope, thanks to the networking support from the continental SME body.

Speaking on the sidelines of the just-concluded 49th African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings in Kigali, Dogad Dogoui, the president of Africa Small and Medium Businesses Forum, said the group has a platform through which entrepreneurs can establish new markets, get new partners and finance. "This is one of the ways we can root for inclusive growth in Africa,” he said.

He said 300 SME owners, export managers and investors from 16 African countries, France, Italy and Chile attended the first forum in Casablanca, Morocco. It was co-hosted by the AfDB, BMCE Bank, The African Guarantee Fund and Casa Invest, and also attracted financiers from commercial and development banks, private equity and investment companies and guarantee funds.

The second edition will take place in May next year in a sub-Saharan country yet to be selected. 

To join the platform, one registers on the website, www.africa-smb.com.