The All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises has renewed its call for unity, peace, and the protection of African entrepreneurs following the recent wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Association’s position, which was also reported by The Nation, underscores the urgent need for coordinated continental action to safeguard lives, businesses, and the ideals of African integration.
Speaking during the 2026 World Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day celebration at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, AAASME President Dr. Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri described the attacks as a direct threat to Africa’s economic integration agenda and the aspirations of millions of entrepreneurs whose businesses depend on cross-border trade and collaboration.
According to Dr. Eradiri, SMEs remain the backbone of Africa’s economy, and any act that undermines the safety of African entrepreneurs also weakens the continent’s collective vision for prosperity under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Africa’s strength lies in our unity. Our entrepreneurs should be free to live, trade, invest, and innovate anywhere on the continent without fear of discrimination or violence.”
AAASME therefore called on the African Union and African leaders to take decisive steps to address the recurring incidents and reinforce mechanisms that protect African citizens and businesses across member states. The Association stressed that peaceful coexistence, respect for human dignity, and economic cooperation are essential to achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 and building a truly integrated Africa.
Strengthening Africa’s SMEs Through UbuntuSusu
While advocating for peace and continental solidarity, AAASME also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing one of the greatest challenges facing African SMEs—access to finance.
During the World SME Day celebrations, Dr. Eradiri highlighted the UbuntuSusu Continental SME Billion Fund, describing it as an Afrocentric financing solution designed to unlock opportunities for Africa’s entrepreneurs through a modernized voluntary contributory revolving financing model rooted in indigenous African values.
The initiative seeks to expand access to affordable capital, strengthen financial inclusion, and empower millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises across Africa, contributing to what AAASME describes as the #AfricaSMEEconomicRevolution.
A Call for Unity
AAASME believes that Africa’s future depends on collaboration rather than division. The Association calls on governments, regional institutions, development partners, and the private sector to work together in creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive without fear and where businesses can contribute fully to the continent’s economic transformation.
As Africa continues its journey toward greater integration and shared prosperity, AAASME remains steadfast in promoting policies, partnerships, and homegrown solutions that empower SMEs and strengthen the foundations of sustainable development across the continent.
This article is adapted from a report originally published by The Nation on AAASME’s position regarding the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and its advocacy during the 2026 World SME Day celebrations.
