Official Inauguration of the Global SME Finance Forum

A Symbol of Connection and Growth

The inaugural ceremony of the 11th Global SME Finance Forum 2025 will be 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, are more than just symbolic gestures; they are profound representations of the SMEFF's goals and mission.

The opening ceremony of the Global SME Finance Forum 2025 will use earth and seeds as symbolic elements to represent connection, growth, and global collaboration. Soil from South Africa and other continents signifies the shared roots and diverse foundations of SMEs worldwide, emphasizing local grounding with global impact. The planting of a baobab seed symbolizes resilience, future growth, sustainability, and unity. Together, these actions reflect 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

Ashor Sarupen

Deputy Minister of Finance, South Africa

Aliou Maïga

Aliou Maïga

Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Africa, International Finance Corporation

Cláudia Conceição

Cláudia Conceição

Regional Director for Southern Africa, International Finance Corporation

Ethiopis Tafara

Ethiopis Tafara

Regional Vice President, Africa, International Finance Corporation

Jane Sithole

Jane Sithole

Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Republic of South Africa

Ravi Menon

Ravi Menon

Chairman of the Board of Directors; Ambassador (Climate Action), Singapore & Former Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)

Satu Kahkonen

Satu Kahkonen

Country Director, World Bank

Mohamed Gouled

Mohamed Gouled

Vice President, Industries, International Finance Corporation

Qamar Saleem

Qamar Saleem

Global Head, SME Finance Forum

Moderator

Sharanjit Leyl

Sharanjit Leyl

Chancellor, Bath Spa University