AAASME Launches Continental Advisory Council in Africa

The Africa Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME) inaugurated its Continental Advisory Council, with Mr. Richard Muteti serving as Chairman. The council's leadership includes Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima as Vice Chairman, Dr. Kurauon Venancio as Secretary, and Mr. William Mwale as Assistant Secretary.

Dr. Ebiekur Jasper Eradiri, President of AAASME, stated that the advisory body is crucial for the smooth coordination of apex leaders of national SME associations across Africa. The council aims to harmonize efforts and implement recommendations through the AAASME matrix dashboard as part of the organization's activity playbook, which is set to remain active until mid-2026.

The council also seeks to mobilize 125 million SMEs across Africa to join the UbuntuSusu continental SME billion fund, which is intended to catalyze economic growth and prosperity in line with the aspirations of the African Union's Agenda 2063. Furthermore, the leadership called for the African Union and the United Nations to address the rising cases of xenophobia and afrophobia affecting African migrant businesses.