Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are generally accepted as the most important engines of innovation, growth, job creation, and social cohesion in most emerging economies.

However, MSMEs can only reach their full potential if they operate in an environment where they have access to the finance necessary to start, sustain, and grow their business.

The objective of this document is to provide a scope of what has to be addressed in a framework to enhance the MSME financing ecosystem in Africa, and to assess what the most important elements are. This document and the Policy Framework are best read together for a better understanding.