The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Office for North Africa reported today that it had held a capacity building workshop from 9-12 September under the theme: “Unlocking AfCFTA Opportunities: Capacity building for youth and female-led SMEs in Libya and Tunisia”, in partnership with the Libyan Ministry of Economy and Trade and the Tunisian Ministry of Economy and Planning. The meeting concludes a series of online trainings organised for the benefit of 35 Libyan and Tunisian SMEs and cooperatives led by women or youth.
“Our programme aimed to equip these businesses with skills that will improve their ability to access funds, use digital technologies, make the most of African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) modalities, and use sustainable practices, with the goal of contributing to inclusive growth and create more jobs in Libya and Tunisia,” said Wafa Aidi, coordinator of the SME project at the ECA Office for North Africa.
SMEs: key drivers of economic development and job creation
SMEs are key drivers of economic development and a significant source of job creation in Libya and Tunisia. However, many of them – especially those led by women and youth – face numerous challenges which significantly reduce their competitiveness and hamper their integration into regional and continental markets, including within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These negative effects are further compounded by the growing impacts of climate change.
SMEs are the backbone of the economies
“SMEs are the backbone of the economies of both Tunisia and Libya where they account for more than 95% of the private sector. The gender gap remains however significant as women account for less than 12% of SME owners, often in companies with limited turnover. However, research shows that increasing women’s participation in the labour market contributes to greater economic growth, and that women’s economic empowerment expands the base of economic diversification and promotes equitable income distribution for shared prosperity,” said UN Resident Coordinator for Tunisia Rana Taha.
Despite the significant challenges facing our national economy, Libya’s SMEs have initiated tens of thousands of active projects and contribute to the employment of approximately 45% of the workforce outside the oil sector, said Libyan Ministry of Economy and Trade representative Abdallah El Jadi. Such trainings are important as they facilitate knowledge transfer, networking and the exchange of experiences, he insisted.
Initially launched in Morocco and expanded to Mauritania, Libya and Tunisia, the ECA project “Unlocking AfCFTA Opportunities: Capacity Building for Youth and Female-led SMEs” aims to provide SMEs and cooperatives with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic economic environment.
The training focused on three key modules: Market Access, Competitiveness, and Exportable Product Development; Access to finance and financial management; and Promoting digitalization & adapting to climate change.
“Accelerating AfCFTA implementation is currently a strategic priority for the whole continent. This common market will be fully beneficial only if SMEs – which are the backbone of our economies – are fully equipped to take part in it”, said Tarek Bouhlel, Director General for African Cooperation at the Tunisian Ministry of Economy and Planning, who warned that “every delay reduces Africa’s chances of taking advantage of its demographic and economic potential, in a highly competitive context”.
The project is also aligned with SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).
