Support for Microenterprises: Lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa

Microenterprises play an important role in sub Saharan Africa. They account for a sizeable portion of the economy, by providing employment and a means of livelihood for much of the nonagricultural population. This paper is the result of a survey of the literature and extensive discussions with practicioners and its primary focus is a direct approach in support of microenterprises. Perhaps the simplest objective to pursue is access to credit. The main lesson from experimentation in this field is that the poor are bankable and and can be served relatively inexpensively, provided nontraditional lending methods are utilized (e.g. group lending). Technical assistance and support services can also be provided to help first-time entrepreneurs set up their own businesses, to assist microenterprises in their daily business, or to help them graduate to a larger size. The task of assisting microenterprises requires small, flexible, and responsive organizations, with sufficient autonomy to make ad hoc decisions, yet with adequate coordination at the national level. Such organizations include PVOs, NGOs, cooperatives, banks, business associations, churches and women's groups. The report recommends that capacity building be incorporated as a specific objective of microenterprise support programs and should be budgeted for. Shifting the focus of assistance from beneficiaries to support institutions is an effective way of reaching the most marginal groups.