African Poverty Reduction Agenda (APRA)

Of the Center for Strategic Enterprise Development Ltd/GTE. Adopted and Ratified by the Founding Partners on the 1st Day of January, 2019

PREAMBLE

We, the Founding Partners of the Center for Strategic Enterprise Development Ltd/GTE (CSED), conscious of the urgent need to reduce poverty across Africa, and guided by our conviction that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Africa’s economy—accounting for more than 80% of African businesses and over 60% of employment—hereby adopt and ratify the African Poverty Reduction Agenda (APRA) as the central mandate of CSED.

We believe that by strategically strengthening, supporting, and promoting MSMEs to grow, expand, and create sustainable jobs, millions of families will be lifted out of poverty year after year.

This Agenda, structured around two (2) strategic pillars, with clear goals and measurable indicators, shall constitute the foundation of CSED’s programs, engagements, and institutional existence.

APRA PILLAR ONE: SMEs Growth Engineering

Goal A. Build and Deploy Technology-Driven Innovative Solutions for SMEs

• A1. Develop technology solutions that accelerate SME growth.

• A2. Deploy these solutions to SMEs in collaboration with key stakeholders.

• A3. Monitor and evaluate the impact of these solutions on SME job creation and poverty reduction.
  
  

Goal B. Develop and Implement Industry-Based SME Growth Engineering Capacity-Building Programs

• B1. Design practical training programs for SME owners and employees.

• B2. Deliver growth engineering training to SMEs across industries.

• B3. Monitor outcomes of training in relation to SME expansion, financial growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
  
  

Goal C. Strengthen the Enterprise Environment through Regulatory Engagement

• C1. Mobilize regulatory institutions to actively support SMEs.

• C2. Improve the efficiency and speed of regulatory service delivery to SMEs.

• C3. Sponsor and advocate for reviews of SME-related bills and Acts to improve the business environment.

APRA PILLAR TWO: Attracting Investment and Infrastructure Development through SMEs

Goal A. Mobilize Local and International Agencies to Position SMEs as Investment Platforms

• A1. Establish platforms that showcase verified, authenticated, and investment-ready SMEs.

• A2. Secure endorsements from strategic local and international stakeholders for SMEs.

• A3. Develop mechanisms to pair SMEs with investors.

• A4. Track and respond effectively to changes in the SME investment environment.

• A5. Establish and manage affordable MSME financing schemes.
  
  

Goal B. Position SMEs to Drive Infrastructure Development

• B1. Engineer partnerships between local SMEs and international brands for joint ventures and infrastructure projects.

• B2. Facilitate mutually beneficial expansion, mergers, and acquisitions.

• B3. Promote public-private and civil society partnerships to support SME growth.

• B4. Advance the Africanization of Global Trade by supporting African brands to expand and succeed worldwide.

DECLARATION

We, the undersigned Founding Partners of the Center for Strategic Enterprise Development Ltd/GTE, firmly declare that:

1. The effective implementation of APRA shall significantly reduce poverty in African countries, empower MSMEs, and create sustainable opportunities across generations.

2. APRA shall serve as a framework for Africanization of global trade and commerce, ensuring African brands take their rightful place in the global economy.

3. The Center for Strategic Enterprise Development Ltd/GTE is hereby commissioned to implement this mandate, guided by evolving strategic plans and adaptive approaches, for the prosperity of Africa and the benefit of the world.

Signed this 1st Day of January, 2019, by the Founding Partners of the Center for Strategic Enterprise Development Ltd/GTE