Strathmore Business School partners with ITC to catalyze digital trade opportunities

The initiative is designed to provide Kenyan Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with essential skills, tools, and knowledge to harness the power of e-commerce, thereby expanding their market reach and opportunities. It aims at empowering MSMEs in Kenya and underscores a mutual dedication to strengthening economic growth and facilitating job creation and regional market expansion.

With funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), SBS is implementing the USAID Strategic Partnership Program, which is spearheading the empowerment of MSMEs through one of its projects, Kenya Small Business Development Centers (Kenya SBDC). 

The initiative provides advisory services, training, and facilitation of access to markets and finance for MSMEs in six counties (Mombasa, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kisumu, Makueni, and Isiolo).

Under ITC’s Digital Moonshot and the European Union (EU) -East African Community (EAC) Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II), ITC is empowering micro, small and medium-sized to sell online through its personalized learning program, technical assistance, digital tools and innovative solutions, together with local and international partners. 

SBS formalized its collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint technical cooperation agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish an SBDC Digital Trade Hub in six countries. 

The primary objective of these hubs is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the essential skills and knowledge required to access new markets through e-commerce. 

The SBDC Digital Trade Hubs will also serve as a comprehensive resource for MSMEs, offering a blend of online and offline support and provide access to a wide range of e-commerce training materials and resources. 

MSMEs will benefit from in-person coaching and training sessions for sustainable business growth.