Official Inauguration of the Global SME Finance Forum
2024 Theme
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of economies worldwide, accounting for over two-thirds of global employment and playing a critical role in job creation and economic resilience. However, persistent financing gaps limit their potential to drive inclusive growth and recovery from economic shocks.
The G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) MSME Action Plan provides a timely framework to address these challenges, fostering resilience and innovation among SMEs while aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs). The Global SME Finance Forum, an official side event of the G20 South African Presidency, will present GPFI’s comprehensive roadmap to address the systemic barriers hindering SMEs’ access to finance.
G20 MSME Action Plan: Financing and Policy Enablers
Resilient Value Chains: Strengthen sustainable sourcing, fair labour practices, and circular economy models to future-proof SMEs against disruptions.
Tailored Financial Solutions: Provide customised financial tools to promote the financial health and stability of micro and small enterprises.
Scaling Success Stories: Highlight examples of SMEs achieving growth through innovative financing models and sustainable business frameworks.
Digital Innovation: Powering SME Growth and Global Competitiveness
Value Chain Integration: Highlight success stories of SMEs scaling through digital integration, such as streamlined supply chains or cross-border e-commerce platforms.
Global Reach: Equip SMEs with technology to compete internationally, from cloud based accounting systems to AI-driven market analytics.
Empowering SMEs in Sustainability, Resilience and Growth
Policy Reforms: Promoting policies that facilitate working capital, trade finance, and digital payments while supporting financial technologies that simplify SME operations.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to mobilize resources, mitigate risks, and scale impactful solutions
Synopsis:
The inaugural ceremony of the 11th Global SME Finance Forum 2025 was a pivotal moment, setting the tone and spirit for the entire event. The ceremonial elements of earth and seeds, with their special affinity for South Africa and the work of the SME Finance Forum, were more than just symbolic gestures; they were profound representations of the SMEFF's goals and mission.
The opening ceremony of the Global SME Finance Forum 2025 used earth and seeds as symbolic elements to represent connection, growth, and global collaboration. Soil from South Africa and other continents signified the shared roots and diverse foundations of SMEs worldwide, emphasizing local grounding with global impact. The planting of a baobab seed symbolized resilience, future growth, sustainability, and unity. Together, these actions reflected the SME Finance Forum’s mission: supporting SMEs through global cooperation, innovation, and long-term commitment - highlighting South Africa’s role as a hub of entrepreneurial energy and progress.
Speakers:
Ashor Sarupen, Deputy Minister of Finance, South Africa
Aliou Maïga, Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Africa, International Finance Corporation
Cláudia Conceição, Regional Director for Southern Africa, International Finance Corporation
Ethiopis Tafara, Regional Vice President, Africa, International Finance Corporation
Jane Sithole, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Republic of South Africa
Mohamed Gouled, Vice President, Industries, International Finance Corporation
Qamar Saleem, Global Head, SME Finance Forum
Ravi Menon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN); Ambassador (Climate Action), Singapore & Former Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore
Satu Kahkonen, Country Director, World Bank
Sharanjit Leyl, Chancellor, Bath Spa University