The United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF) provides $1,203,700 to enhance capacity for African vulnerable countries in adopting policy incentives and innovative instruments for SMEs’ participation in regional value chains

Project narrative

In 2016, the Chinese Government pledged to contribute $200 million to the United Nations over a ten year period. The United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF) was established to channel these earmarked funds to specific projects in coordination with the UN. The UNPDF is divided into two sub-funds: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund and The Secretary-General's Peace and Security Sub-Fund. Approved in 2023 by UNPDF, a $1,203,700 grant under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund was allocated for a project to increase the role of SMEs in the manufacturing and supply of value-added goods and services in vulnerable African countries. It will do so by building the knowledge and capacity of select African countries to adopt policy incentives and innovate instruments (e.g., digital and technology tools for data analysis, market information, access to financing and businesses opportunities) that can strengthen the ability of SMEs to produce and trade efficiently, and at scale, towards regional markets. This will contribute to the creation of new market niches and expansion of cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This project's duration is scheduled for May 2024 - April 2028. Recipient countries include: Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Togo, and Uganda. The implementing entity is UNCTAD. Collaborating partners include UN Resident Coordinators, UNECA, UNDP, UNCDF, and African Development Bank, IMF's SME Finance Forum (SMEFF).