Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs

Wezesha Biashara Network

Driving sustainable economic growth by fostering an enabling environment where Micro and Small Enterprises become engines of Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

The Challenge

Kenya's MSME Sector: The Backbone of Our Economy

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise sector stands as the undeniable backbone of the Kenyan economy, serving as the primary engine for employment and a critical contributor to national output.

7.4M+

Enterprises

MSMEs operating across Kenya

14.9M

Employed

Over 80% of non-agricultural jobs

34%

GDP Contribution

Of Kenya's national output

80%

Failure Rate

Before reaching 5 years

Critical Challenges Facing MSEs

Despite being the backbone of employment, MSEs are severely constrained by systemic hurdles. Over 70% of micro-enterprises rely on personal savings, with formal banks funding only about 5.6%.

Nearly 79% operate outside the formal economy, excluding them from vital government support, tax reliefs, and credit guarantee schemes.

Our Response

Wezesha Biashara Network brings together stakeholders and experts committed to creating a business-friendly environment for Micro & Small Enterprises.

We work with associations, businesses, governments, civil society organizations, and development partners to advocate for an enabling environment where MSEs can thrive.

Our Vision

"To drive sustainable economic growth and social impact by fostering an enabling environment where Micro and Small Enterprises are engines of Africa's socio-economic transformation."

Our Mission

"To empower Micro and Small Enterprises through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and effective advocacy, enabling them to scale, compete, and contribute to sustainable development."

Our Core Values

What Drives Us Forward

Impact-Oriented

We prioritize creation of tangible, measurable positive changes in the lives of MSEs and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Collaboration & Partnership

We actively foster partnerships with MSEs, government agencies, civil society, and development partners for collective action.

Innovation & Adaptability

We encourage innovative approaches to effectively respond to the evolving needs of MSEs and the dynamic business environment.

Sustainability

We promote sustainable business practices and environmental consciousness for long-term viability of MSEs.

Transparency & Integrity

We maintain transparency, accountability, and uphold the highest ethical standards in all our dealings.

What We Do

Our Eight Strategic Pillars

We focus on cross-cutting issues affecting MSE business growth through comprehensive programs across eight key areas of intervention.

Advocacy & Policy

Analyzing and addressing challenging policy and regulatory environments. We advocate for reforms, provide technical resources for legal compliance, and participate in national and county budget processes.

Skills Development

Equipping MSEs with necessary skills through training, technical assistance, and mentorship in business management, financial literacy, marketing, and technology adoption.

Access to Finance

Addressing challenges in accessing affordable credit through awareness of government funds, partnerships with financial institutions, and advocating for Credit Guarantee Schemes.

Technology & Innovation

Supporting MSEs in adopting new technologies for improved efficiency and market access, including digital literacy training and e-commerce platforms.

Sustainability

Promoting sustainable practices to address environmental challenges and meet growing demand for eco-friendly products through training on sustainable business practices.

Association Governance

Strengthening Business Associations through enhanced corporate governance, effective resource management, board training, and strategic planning.

Anti-Corruption & Ethics

Improving integrity and limiting corruption opportunities through Business Ethics training, public-private dialogue via Africa Business Ethics Conference, and the Wezesha Integrity Award.

Women & Youth Empowerment

Providing tailored support through entrepreneurship training, business management education, financial literacy, and facilitating access to finance and markets.

Join Us in Empowering Africa's Entrepreneurs

Whether you're an MSE seeking support, a partner organization, or someone who believes in the power of small businesses to transform communities—we want to hear from you.