ITU

The Broadband Commission Working Group on Connectivity for MSMEs seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities of getting more micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in low and middle income countries (LMICs) online and engaging in online trade. Co-chaired by Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the ITC, and Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, core elements of the Working Group’s research was drawn from a major study by the GSMA on the digital and financial inclusion of female micro-entrepreneurs in Africa and Asia, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, and work on digital connectivity and its economic usage by MSME in West Africa by ITC.

Through interviews with Working Group members and external experts, and extensive research into the barriers and enablers of MSME connectivity, the Working Group has developed a five part framework and four core recommendations for all stakeholders to play their part in enabling MSME connectivity.

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