The 1st CBC- SME Associations Consultative
workshop; towards advocacy on Constraints to SMEs in the region was held in
April 2013 in Egypt. This led to the formation of the CBC SME Workgroup; which
consist of the national SME Associations in the region; derived from each
COMESA member state. The Work Group is currently chaired by Kenya National
Federation of Jua Kali Associations (KNFJKA), Mr Richard Muteti.
The Work plan of the SME Technical Workgroup;
is derived from its Terms of References;
- Lobby and
advocate for the interest of the private sector in the policy making
process at COMESA and at the national level and regional level;
- Ensure a harmonized
and informed position is presented to the CBC Board for advocacy with all
interests of the sectors represented;
- Ensure
Increased Policy Dialogue between Public and Private Sector at the
regional level;
- Ensure that
the positions of Work Group are presented to the policy organs meetings
for consideration;
- Ensure increased
participation of the private sector membership in policy dialogue.
CBC provides demand driven services and
proactive services in terms of advocacy, business linkages and membership
development for SME Work group. We are working towards capacity building
programs to strengthen the technical and skills capacities of SMES and
facilitate their participation in COMESA regional value chains.
The Work Group is currently chaired by Mr.
Richard Muteti who serves the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
sector in various capacities both within Kenya, East African Community and the
COMESA region in general. Muteti is the founder of Small and Medium Enterprise
Support, East Africa (SMES-EA) and author of the inaugural “The SME Handbook”
series in Kenya.
https://comesa-smes.blogspot.com/