Towards this end, we shall over the next few days, deliberate on various strategies. Let me highlight three broad themes to set the stage. First, is restoring Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are the engines of economies globally and more particularly in Africa. However, they have borne the brunt of COVID-19 containment measures including movement restrictions and curfews.
Their businesses have been disrupted causing adverse impact on lives and livelihoods. We will need to accelerate digital ecosystems that will enable the SMEs to reconnect with their customers, markets and access the much needed finance for recovery. I therefore look forward to the panel discussions later today on reinventing SMEs through digital ecosystems that will provide an African perspective.