Harnessing the power and potential of technology to build stronger businesses

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of African economies, representing about 90% of all business in Africa and creating 80% of the region’s employment.

However, many businesses both large and small, face challenges including access to finance and making the most of the opportunities afforded by technology.

Like smallholder farmers for example, who contribute significantly to local economies but struggle to access the technology and resources they need to improve productivity and scalability.

At the same time, it’s encouraging to see that Africa’s digital agriculture industry is growing, with the number of farmers subscribed to digital services increasing by 45% per year in the last three years.

The work we are doing with DigiFarm Kenya Ltd (DKL) is a powerful example of how technology can transform the small-scale farming industry in Kenya. DigiFarm created an integrated mobile platform that gives farmers access to important information and financial services.

There are currently 1.3 million farmers across the country registered on the platform with over 306,000 active users benefitting from quality products, customised advice on farming best practices, as well as access to credit and other financial services.

Read more about the work being done by DigiFarm here.

Because digital skills are in such short supply across Africa, we’re also empowering female farmers in South Africa to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

Hear some of the women share the impact this has had on their agriculture businesses here.

And through the development of digital toolkit bundles that provide software solutions, we’re helping SMEs in Egypt maintain and develop their businesses.