The climate opportunity hiding in Africa's supply chains
Africa’s MSMEs — the retailers, food outlets, smallholder farms, and artisan businesses that form the backbone of local economies — are highly exposed to climate and economic shocks. They employ the majority of Africa’s workforce and drive an estimated 90% of consumer goods distribution across the continent. When these businesses are fragile, entire supply chains and communities feel the impact. When they are strong, the ripple effects are significant.
AMI works with these enterprises at the heart of Africa’s value chains to strengthen their resilience and ability to adapt in the face of increasing uncertainty. Through evidence-backed growth programmes and practical tools, we help MSMEs build stronger systems, improve performance, and sustain jobs and livelihoods.
Return on Investment (RoI) in income across the value chain for every $1 of AMI support.
Livelihoods supported, on average, by every entrepreneur on our flagship programme.
Jobs created by flagship programme
Revenue growth for SMEs p.a
Business Practices
Development Economics
We focus on business practices and practical management behaviours and that help enterprises improve productivity, resilience, and long-term growth.
*Research foundations:
McKenzie — Management & Firm Performance
Bloom & Van Reenen — Management Practices and Productivity
Woodruff — Enterprise Growth and Survival
Our evidence Based Approach
This evidence-based approach is what makes AMI distinctive — and why our programmes work.
What it is and why it works
Robust research on SME growth initiatives show that much of it fails. The main reasons for this are poor training methods, and a focus on sharing general business knowledge. What does work is supporting businesses to self-prioritise and directly implement research based practices, using tools - as well as a focus on mindset.
Diagnostic tools map learning needs to business goals.
Expert -led Learning Labs: Peer learning, role play, and experience-driven sessions build practical skills.
Platform access: Learners apply new skills on the job, supported by tools, courses, nudges and peer feedback.
Coaching, accountability partners, and action learning projects reinforce behaviour change over time.
From the Entrepreneurs
I was passionate about baking, but I knew very little about running a business. AMI, through the Kasipreneur Impact Programme (KIP), taught me how to understand my target market, strengthen my marketing, and put systems in place that helped me run my business professionally. In just three months, my monthly revenue increased by 160%. Since then, my one-woman business has grown into a team creating jobs for six young people in my community.
Nhlanhla Dlamini
Kwa Chef Nhlanhla Dlamini
Founder
From the Entrepreneurs
This journey has been a learning curve, teaching me the value of resilience and persistence. I used to struggle with giving feedback, but now I can communicate effectively and delegate tasks, which has significantly improved my team’s performance.
Sylvia Achando
Solar Panda
Human Resource & Admin
From the Entrepreneurs
This programme transformed how I work and my relationship with the team. I also have more time to think strategically as the team is taking ownership of tasks and projects and we're able to co-create solutions to the challenges that we face. This has resulted in process improvements, leading to cost saving.
Hillary Kirui
Azuri Technologies
From the Entrepreneurs
The programme is engaging and well delivered. As someone new to the energy field with only basic knowledge, I appreciate how it simplifies complex topics without being overwhelming. The content is clear, concise, well-illustrated, and easy to follow, making learning both enjoyable and insightful.
Live Kataborwa
Connect with our partnership advisors
AMI partners with funders, development organisations, and private sector leaders to strengthen MSMEs across Africa by building the business resilience and skills that that help these enterprises — and the communities around them — withstand shocks and grow.
If you're investing in climate-resilient livelihoods across Africa, we'd like to talk. Share your details and our team will be in touch.