Conclusions and Policy Recommendations

The private sector is the engine of economic growth and sustainable development in Africa. But most African private businesses are small, and the sector has few firms in the medium and large categories— the “missing middle” and “missing large.” Mainly due to financial constraints, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa struggle to survive and grow into large firms, with most collapsing within the first three years—the “valley of death.”

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Partnerships for the Goals