Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are important means for employment and make a decisive contribution to the sustainable economic development of a country. Job creation through MSME financing often directly benefits marginalized social groups, reducing poverty, increasing income, and having a positive impact on investment in education and health. Access to needs-based financial services is the basis for their success. German Sparkassenstiftung draws on the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe's wealth of experience to support banks and microfinance institutions in the introduction and further development of their lending business, from product design to staff training.
Project Example: Regional project in Southern Africa - strengthening small-scale entrepreneurship for social and ecological change
In the project countries Malawi, Zambia and Namibia, there are considerable income disparities and poverty is a key problem in some regions. Small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) face major challenges: Their access to financial services is restricted, often due to a lack of commercial knowledge and limited management skills. As a result, their contribution to economic growth and employment falls short of their potential. The regional project strengthens the role of small agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises as a driver of economic development and employment. Entrepreneurs receive targeted training to improve their commercial and entrepreneurial skills, while access to financial services is facilitated.