On Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day 2025, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlights the crucial role of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in creating jobs and advancing social justice. He calls for bold, coordinated action to empower MSMEs through inclusive policies, better access to finance, skills, innovation, and decent work.

The ILO is pleased to join you in celebrating this year’s Micro- Small and Medium-sized Enterprises – MSME – Day.

MSMEs are not merely engines of growth, they are also catalysts for social justice. By generating employment for nearly 2.3 billion people, particularly for women, for youth, and marginalized communities often excluded from formal economic structures, MSMEs are crucial in advancing inclusive growth, productive employment and decent work.

Despite their vital role and prospects, MSMEs face persistent barriers. Globally, over half of MSMEs’ financing requests remain unmet, in stark contrast to just 7% for larger enterprises. In emerging economies, 70% of MSMEs lack affordable financing, thus hindering their growth potential. 

The digital divide, shortage of skilled human capital, and poor working conditions further exacerbate their challenges, contributing to a productivity gap of nearly 70% compared to large firms, making them more vulnerable in times of crisis. 

At the ILO, we believe that MSME are crucial for social justice. Their competitiveness and sustainability must go hand in hand with decent work and respect for fundamental principles and rights at work.

We are calling for: 

Stronger social dialogue to develop inclusive MSME policies, 

Tailored support to formalize enterprises and extend sustainable protections, 

Investments in skills, innovation, and digital access, 

And financing strategies that make capital more accessible to small enterprises, especially those led by women youth and underprivileged groups.

On this MSME Day, let’s commit to bold, coordinated action that places MSMEs at the heart of development financing. Together, we can unlock their full potential to drive productive employment opportunities and inclusive growth, reduce inequalities, and shape a better future for all.