The regional policy dialogue on leveraging local content policies and frameworks to accelerate the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Southern Africa came at the right time when African countries need to develop their policies which will not be affected by global issues.

This, the Director Private Sector Development in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Mrs. ‘Maseeiso Lekholoane said when closing the two-day regional policy dialogue in Maseru on Wednesday.

Mrs. Lekholoane applauded the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism for hosting the event, saying the policies will help the Private Sector to survive and focus on inclusive growth and job creation for the benefit of the member states.

She however mentioned that it is important for member states to harmonise their existing policies for the benefit of the local content policies to thrive.

The UNECA-SA Chief Inclusive Industrialization Section, Ms. Olayinka Bandela said through the dialogue outcomes, they are looking forward to partnerships of the member states and globally to fill the gaps that hinder the accelerated growth of MSMEs in African countries.

She however remarked that as member states, they are looking for an opportunity which will enable them to develop a program that will capacitate the growth and development of MSMEs.

The two-day event was carried out by the Ministry of Trade, Industry Business Development and Tourism with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Source: LENA 18/10/2023