Field Visit Highlights Promising Progress of SME Loop Program in Tigray

The SME Business Training and Coaching Loop (SME Loop) is a strategic intervention under the Private Sector Development in Ethiopia (PSD-E) program, led by GIZ in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI). The SME Loop is designed to rebuild and strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in conflict-affected regions through structured business training and one-on-one coaching.In line with our commitment to rigorous monitoring and on-site support, a joint delegation from EDI and GIZ recently conducted a field visit to assess the implementation progress of this critical initiative in the Tigray region.
The team visited participating SMEs in three of the five operational cities: Mekelle, Wukro, and Adigrat. The core objective was to engage directly with entrepreneurs, observe the practical application oftraining and coaching, and identify both successes and ongoing challenges.
We are encouraged to report significant progress observed in several key operational areas. Entrepreneurs are demonstrating remarkable resilience and a strong adoption of new business practices, particularly in:
Digitalization: Successfully integrating digital tools into their daily business operations.
Financial Management : Implementing improved bookkeeping and financial planning practices.
Marketing : Developing and executing enhanced marketing strategies to reach new markets.
Overall Motivation : Exhibiting a powerful, inspiring drive to recover and grow despite the post-conflict environment.
This visit reaffirms the positive impact of collaborative efforts in Ethiopia's private sector development. The dedication of these entrepreneurs is truly inspiring, and it strengthens our resolve to continue providing the necessary support for sustainable economic recovery and job creation.