…links violence to SME setbacks

By Adeola Badru

The All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME) has strongly condemned the reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, warning that such incidents represent a serious setback to the growth and stability of small and medium-scale enterprises across the African continent.

The association also announced plans to expand its operational footprint with new offices proposed for Nairobi (Kenya), Harare (Zimbabwe), and Houston (United States), a decision reached during its 2026 second-quarter executive committee meeting.

AAASME President, Dr Ebiekure Eradiri, highlighted the critical role SMEs play in driving economic development across Africa, while expressing concern over the rising incidents of targeted hostility against African-owned businesses in South Africa.

He stressed that regional economic integration and cooperation should take precedence over ethnic divisions, arguing that such attacks undermine continental progress.

According to him, “The All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME) strongly condemns the unfortunate xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on African businesses by some unscrupulous South Africans in South Africa.”

He further stated that AAASME’s Regional Vice President, Dr Shamiso Fred, has been mandated to issue official press statements outlining the organisation’s position and to engage in wider media briefings on the matter.

Dr Fred has also been instructed to establish a special desk office in Harare, Zimbabwe, tasked with assessing the impact of Afrophobic and xenophobic attacks on SMEs and micro and small businesses operating in South Africa.

Dr Eradiri urged SMEs across Africa to remain calm and continue operating within the law despite provocation, noting that such attacks run counter to the objectives of Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and other flagship African Union initiatives aimed at fostering integration and shared prosperity.

On AAASME’s expansion plans, the organisation commended the efforts of its Vice President for Diaspora Affairs, Engr Dadiowei Kingsley Akpeti, for advancing diaspora engagement and institutional growth.

It directed the Vice President for East Africa, Mr Emmanuel Mutabazi, to work in coordination with the Youth Envoy on arrangements for the establishment of the Nairobi office, while AAASME Deputy President Rose Mboya and Secretariat Chief Executive Officer Jacinta Kiruthi, alongside other senior officials, are expected to formally inaugurate the office at a later agreed date.

Dr Eradiri also confirmed his personal commitment to formally inaugurate the Houston office in the United States, instructing the Vice President for Diaspora Affairs to ensure all necessary preparations are completed ahead of the visit.

Furthermore, the AAASME President encouraged SMEs across the continent to participate in the upcoming Biashara Afrika conference scheduled to hold in Lomé, Togo, from 18–20 May 2026, organised by the AfCFTA Secretariat, describing it as a platform offering significant business opportunities for African entrepreneurs.