LAHORE: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Akhuwat Foundation have agreed to roll out a joint programme to strengthen microenterprise development, with a focus on women- and youth-led businesses across Pakistan.
The agreement was reached during a follow-up meeting between SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jahangir Seth and Akhuwat Founder and Chairperson Dr Amjad Saqib, held to advance implementation of an earlier memorandum of understanding between the two organisations.
The initiative aims to enhance cooperation in microfinance and enterprise development, in line with government efforts to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.Under the proposed framework, SMEDA will provide business development support and capacity-building services to Akhuwat-supported entrepreneurs, including training in management, financial literacy, marketing and enterprise skills.
The programme will also include non-financial advisory services to help beneficiaries strengthen and scale their businesses, complementing Akhuwat’s interest-free microfinance model.
Both sides agreed to begin implementation through coordinated action plans and regular engagement to ensure effective delivery of support to small entrepreneurs and to promote inclusive economic growth in the country.
