Long Term Financial Instruments for SMEs

• Discussions are underway with Norsad for establishment of SME Windows through DFI Network members.
• The DFRC is participating in liaison with the Commonwealth Secretariat in a project to investigate the feasibility of establishing a “regional SME Fund” under the COTONOU AGREEMENT managed through the European Investment Bank.

Case Study on MOZAL for an SMEs Linkages Model

Phase 1 – Research

A preliminary study on MOZAL was completed in June 2005. Terms of Reference for the research have been completed in liaison with Policy Research and Advisory Services and a proposal for funding of detailed research has been submitted to potential sponsors.

Phase 2 - Case Study Development

This will be carried out on completion of Phase 1.

Survey of DFI SME Activities

This is a project to develop a profile and data base of DFIs in the region that deal with SMEs. To date, ten DFIs have been visited in five countries for the exercise:

• Botswana; CEDA and NDB ◦Namibia: NDB, NHE and Agribank

• RSA: IDC

• Tanzania: SIDO, TIB and NDC

• Zambia: DBZ 

Business Support Service

Four project proposals have been developed for discussion with cooperating partners for implantation in the areas of:

• SMEs Linkages
• Women-in-Business Development
• Business Mentorship
• Environmental Management Systems for SMEs, (Standards)