By Rachel Ndungu, CEO – Biashara Africa
27.11.2023 | Nairobi
Photo: Rachel Ndungu, CEO – Biashara Africa
Good Morning, EVERYONE!
I am delighted to welcome you to our 3rd E-commerce 4 Small Businesses program, a digital literacy skills program launched in 2021 and held annually just before our Shop@SmallBusiness Month celebrations in December. I am incredibly proud to announce that the program has benefited over 10,000 women and youth-owned small businesses in Kenya.
We have updated our 2023 Program to include discussions on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Sustainable E-Commerce (Green Digital.
In today’s digital age, establishing a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. However, many small businesses, especially those owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities, face challenges in navigating the complex landscape of e-commerce and digital trade, as highlighted in a 2019 survey by the International Trade Centre.
This is why we have created this program – to provide women, youth, and PWD-owned small businesses with the digital skills and our small business money toolkit, a collection of financial and digital tools, financing options, and resources in partnership with key ecosystem players such as Equity Bank, Pezesha, Absa Bank, Lipa Later, Somo Africa, Zoho, and others.
This year, we introduced the Small Business Awards, which recognizes Women, Youth, and PWD Owned Small Businesses and Organizations that support Small Businesses to thrive. Leading entrepreneurs and institutions were honored in this year’s awards, and the top 50 finalists joined the Community of Small Business Leaders, providing access to collaboration and networking opportunities, funding, and business support, among other benefits.
In closing, I am grateful for the support and dedication of our partners and facilitators. Your contributions have been crucial in making the E-commerce 4 Small Businesses program 2023 a success, and I am confident that it will have a meaningful impact on the lives of small business owners.
As we celebrate this festive season, I encourage everyone to support a small business in your local area by shopping from them. Happy Shop@SmallBusiness MONTH!
Happy Holidays!
End.