Policy brief by Zamiyat Abubakar, Engagement Officer at Southern Voive.
Key Messages:
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of many economies in the Global South. However, COVID-19 caused a rapid shift towards a more digitalised economy, putting many at high risk of exclusion.
- To accelerate and support the digital transition of Global South SMEs, national governments and multilateral organisations should design a ‘digitalisation roadmap’. It would address the key structural and infrastructural challenges these enterprises face.
- Countries need to invest in the development of tailored training programmes focusing on digital skills for SMEs, and adapting business models to the digital world.
- As Southern economies recover from the pandemic shock, governments need to support the business continuity and job security of SMEs. Incentives, financial stimulation programmes, and credit accessibility initiatives are vital.
Click here to access the brief on the Southern Voice website.
