Job creation through SME development - A knowledge sharing project

In today’s world of development cooperation, networks for sharing knowledge and lessons learned are increasingly important within organizations and between organizations. In order to reach a larger collective impact on job creation by actors in the area of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development in South Africa, Malawi and Mozambique collaboration and creation of synergies between programs and activities of different organizations is important. The objective of the proposed project is to establish a knowledge sharing network around a common shared goal of job creation through SME development within and between the three countries. The purpose of this network is to bring organizations and individuals together to share existing knowledge as well as develop, distribute and apply new knowledge. Through i) a strengthened coordination and collaboration across organizational, disciplinary and geographical boundaries; ii) increased evidence on effective job creation models and iii) capacity development of government officials and practitioners the intention is to inform policy, strategies and programs for job creation through SME development in South Africa, Malawi and Mozambique. The end-of-project outcome is an improved environment for SMEs where support programs and technical assistance facilitate formalization and enables SME development as a result of increased knowledge sharing, coordination and collaboration between SME stakeholders. The project will contribute to the following immediate objectives: i. Increased knowledge sharing and improved stakeholder coordination and collaboration to strengthen job creation through SME development ii. Increased knowledge and awareness of the link between SME development and job creation with the view to improve government policies and programs iii. Developed capacities of policy makers and practitioners result in new program development The project will deliver the following outputs: • An SME knowledge sharing network reach at least 1’500 members • 3 national knowledge sharing events reach 1’000 policy makers and practitioners • An annual blended learning course on sustainable enterprises develop capacities of at least 500 policy makers and practitioners over the project period • 3 African Talks on Entrepreneurship Futures reach at least 300 policy makers and practitioners over the project period • 3 research studies published and debated by at least 300 policy makers and practitioners over the project period • 3 policy briefs/practice notes on SME development disseminated to at least 3’000 stakeholders in the SME sector in the sub-region

Project symbol

RAF/14/06/FLA

Admin unit

DWT/CO-Pretoria

Start date

01/01/2015

End date

31/12/2017

Total allocation

693438

Total expenditure

Status

Closed

687367

Development Partners

Belgium, Government of Flanders, Department of Foreign Affairs

Country/Countries

South Africa

Outcomes

Promoting sustainable enterprises