Nairobi, Kenya | October 14, 2026 — Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Susan Auma Mang’eni has urged securities exchanges across Africa to expand access to long-term financing for small businesses, saying affordable capital is critical to enterprise growth, job creation and economic development.
Mang’eni called on African stock exchanges to strengthen partnerships with MSMEs and help businesses prepare to access capital markets beyond traditional listing services.
Speaking during the official opening of the Africa Commerce & Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Wednesday, she said closer collaboration between governments and the private sector was necessary to build competitive, resilient and inclusive economies.
The three-day summit is hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
MSMEs Face Financing Challenges
Mang’eni noted that MSMEs form the backbone of commerce and industry across Africa, supporting livelihoods and creating economic opportunities, particularly for young people and women.
However, she said limited access to affordable financing continues to constrain the growth of businesses and their ability to compete in regional and international markets.
The Principal Secretary challenged securities exchanges to take a more active role in helping small businesses strengthen corporate governance, embrace innovation, improve productivity and meet the requirements for accessing capital markets.
She said preparing enterprises for stock exchange listings and other capital market financing instruments would provide alternative funding opportunities, allowing businesses to expand their operations, create jobs and achieve sustainable growth.
MSMEs Expected to Drive Job Creation
Mang’eni also urged ACIS 2026 organisers to prioritise youth- and women-led enterprises throughout the summit, highlighting the role of small businesses in addressing Kenya’s employment needs.She noted that Kenya faces an annual demand for approximately 1.2 million jobs, with MSMEs expected to account for at least 70 per cent of these opportunities.
The sector’s contribution to employment makes access to financing, stronger business capacity and improved market opportunities important priorities for the government and private sector.
Expanding access to growth capital could enable more enterprises to scale their operations, increase productivity and create employment opportunities for the country’s growing workforce.
Government Deepens Partnership With KNCCI
Mang’eni reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with KNCCI as the business membership organisation marks its 60th anniversary.
She said the partnership would focus on building enterprise capacity, expanding market access and improving the competitiveness of Kenyan MSMEs.
The Principal Secretary further emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation among government agencies, business membership organisations and capital market institutions in transforming small businesses into productive, investment-ready enterprises.
She said stronger partnerships would help drive inclusive economic growth, create decent jobs and strengthen Africa’s position in global commerce.
The ACIS 2026 summit brings together stakeholders in commerce and industry to discuss opportunities for enterprise development and economic growth across the continent.