What Is Ubuntu Susu?
Ubuntu Susu is an innovative fund concept inspired by traditional African contributory savings systems (“susu”) and tailored for the 21st-century SME ecosystem. It represents African ownership, African finance, and African enterprise.
With a projected size of US $1.4 billion, the fund aims to mobilize capital across the continent to empower SMEs, boost regional trade, and align with the visions of Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Why This Pre-Launch Matters
This pre-launch is not just a ceremonial event—it’s the moment where ideas become commitments, and African SMEs step into a new phase of growth and collaboration. At Africa Celebrates 2025, we will:
- Introduce the fund to the broader ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, development partners and policymakers.
- Unveil the operational roadmap, application process and engagement strategy for SMEs and stakeholders.
- Enable networking opportunities between business leaders, innovators and funding allies to forge partnerships and investment linkages.
How AAASME Is Driving It
As the continental umbrella body for SMEs, AAASME has spearheaded the Ubuntu Susu initiative. We have led the sensitization campaign, traversing Africa’s five regions and diaspora communities to build awareness and momentum. (africannewspage.net)
With Ubuntu Susu we are advancing our core pillars of Collaboration, Coordination, Communication and Cooperation—the “4Cs”—to ensure this fund becomes an engine for inclusive enterprise across Africa.
Attend Africa Celebrates 2025 — Be Part of the Movement
We invite entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, development partners and policy-makers to join us at Africa Celebrates 2025, taking place from November 5–9, 2025, at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Registration and participation details will provide you access to the pre-launch ceremony and the broader programme which includes cultural showcases, business forums and high-level dialogues.
This is your opportunity to engage with the Ubuntu Susu ecosystem from its very inception.
What to Expect
- A historic gathering of African business, culture and diplomacy under one roof.
- Access to the Ubuntu Susu pre-launch briefing and networking sessions.
- Opportunity for SMEs to position themselves for capital, strategic partnerships and continental growth.
- A showcase of Africa’s enterprise potential, creative energy and unity of purpose.
Join Us — Let’s Finance Africa’s Future
Africa’s SMEs are the backbone of our economies, the engine of innovation, and the pathway to shared prosperity. With Ubuntu Susu, we at AAASME are calling on all stakeholders across the continent and diaspora to join this journey of empowerment and transformation.
We look forward to welcoming you in Addis Ababa.
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