Job Summary
The Manager, SME Development (SME Incubation & Capacity Building) will be responsible for developing and implementing structured non-financial interventions to support African SMEs and Financial Intermediaries under Afreximbank’s Export SME Development Programme (ESDP). The role focuses on capacity building, skills development, market access, and strategic partnerships to integrate SMEs into global value chains.
The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in SME development, technical assistance, business incubation, and trade facilitation, with experience in development finance, financial intermediation, and capacity-building programs.
Key Responsibilities
SME Capacity Building & Business Incubation
- Lead the design and execution of the annual SME Capacity Building Plan under the ESDP.
- Develop and implement technical assistance programs for financial intermediaries supporting SME financing.
- Build and manage strategic partnerships with technical institutions, trade facilitators, and development agencies to provide SME training and incubation support.
- Implement export readiness workshops and business acceleration programs for SMEs in priority sectors such as:
- Agribusiness
- Manufacturing
- Automotives
- Creative industries
- Climate-focused enterprises
Strategic Partnerships & Resource Mobilization
- Mobilize funding and resources for SME capacity-building initiatives through partnerships with donors, DFIs, and private sector players.
- Leverage Afreximbank’s ecosystem, including:
- Africa Trade Gateway
- Africa Quality Assurance Centres (AQACs)
- Africa Buyer Programme
- Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF)
Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment
- Develop impact monitoring frameworks to track the effectiveness of SME capacity-building initiatives.
- Provide periodic reports on the impact of SME development programs, including case studies and success stories.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to Afreximbank’s AML, Regulatory, and Conduct Compliance policies, including:
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorism Financing
- Conflicts of Interest Policies
- Anti-Bribery & Corruption Guidelines
- Insider Trading & Market Conduct Rules
- Report any suspicious or non-compliant activities to the Compliance Department.
- Complete the Annual Compliance Training & Assessment.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, International Trade, or a related field.
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Experience:
- Minimum 8 years of experience in SME development, trade facilitation, business incubation, or capacity building.
- Strong experience working with financial institutions, trade development agencies, and development finance institutions (DFIs).
- Familiarity with financial and non-financial barriers to SME growth, including access to finance, technical skills, and market linkages.
- Proven ability to engage senior officials of banks, corporates, and governments to secure buy-in for SME development programs.
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Technical Skills & Knowledge:
- Strong expertise in trade development, SME policy frameworks, and export promotion strategies.
- Proficiency in project management, stakeholder engagement, and program impact evaluation.
- Understanding of international trade regulations, quality assurance standards, and value chain integration.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to analyze the development impact of trade programs.
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Soft Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is an advantage).
- Strong relationship management and negotiation skills.
- Ability to function in a culturally diverse and change-oriented setting.
- Willingness to travel extensively to support regional SME development initiatives.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CVs to Afreximbank@robertwalters.com with the job title “Manager, SME Development (SME Incubation & Capacity Building)” clearly stated in the email subject line for proper consideration.