Inauguration of the AeTrade Group Continental Headquarters
Remarks
By
Antonio Pedro
Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Kigali
15 May 2024
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen,
Today marks a significant milestone in the journey of AeTrade Group, as we all gather here to celebrate the inauguration of the new offices followed by the two panel discussions.
This momentous occasion reflects the unwavering commitment of the Group to innovation, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in the field of trade and commerce, and also in the appreciation of the role that the African diaspora community can play in the development of the continent.
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen,
There is no denying that SMEs the world over are the missing link to creating inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous societies. Invariably, in Africa, they suffer from marginalization as reflected by the difficulties they face in accessing finance, markets, and opportunities for growth in general. This is where AeTrade becomes instrumental in bridging the gaps and enabling SMEs access innovative solutions to thrive.
As AeTrade, your solid foundation and pedigree can be leveraged to promote the growth and expansion of SMEs, by signposting them to tailored financial products and services which address their specific needs, thereby relieving them of the high interest loans and credit facilities which eat up their profits before they even begin.
Through multifaceted approaches that address the market environment, including facilitating partnerships and integration of SMEs in value chains, the AeTrade Group, can play a catalytic role in changing dynamics in the sector.
And lastly, through mentorship and capacity building programmes, we urge you to continue to support SMEs in acquiring the right skills to enable them to thrive and expand and become more competitive and resilient in the global marketplace, within the context of the AfCFTA and beyond.
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen
As ECA, we value your work and look to strengthening our collaboration to ensure that no one misses the opportunity that the comes with innovation, finance, and market access, today, and tomorrow, and to harness opportunities accordingly.
I extend my sincere appreciation to all those involved in advancing this initiative, and once again, congratulations and thank you.