From Resilience to Regional Growth — What SMEs Can Teach Us

African small businesses are some of the most resilient in the world. They adapt quickly, find creative ways around challenges, and build entire ecosystems of support in the face of limited resources. Through MomBoss Universe, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this resilience up close — and it has taught me powerful lessons about what helps entrepreneurs not only survive, but grow across borders.

Community as a Lifeline

When the economy is tough or regulations shift, small businesses lean on each other. In the MomBoss community, we’ve seen members share suppliers, collaborate on logistics, and even cross-promote one another’s products to keep sales moving. This spirit of collaboration is more than just supportive — it’s a survival strategy that helps SMEs withstand shocks that would cripple larger, less adaptable companies.

The Power of Partnerships and Networks

In Africa, relationships often matter more than contracts. Partnerships unlock trust, market entry, and cultural understanding in ways money alone cannot.

• Local partnerships help SMEs navigate new markets more smoothly.
• Networks like MomBoss provide mentorship, shared visibility, and credibility.
• Strategic collaborations with logistics, payment providers, and suppliers reduce costs and make scaling realistic.

At its core, business growth is rarely a solo journey — it’s built on the strength of the networks around you.

Finance and Technology as Accelerators

Access to finance is important, but access without knowledge doesn’t always move the needle. What I’ve seen is that SMEs thrive when financial support is combined with digital empowerment. Tools like mobile money, e-commerce platforms, and AI-powered marketing give small businesses affordable ways to compete with much larger players.

The real game-changer is when entrepreneurs learn how to use these tools effectively. A woman running a business from her home can reach the same customers as a retail chain — often with a more personal, authentic touch.

Lessons from Successful SMEs

Across Africa, some of the most successful women entrepreneurs share a few common traits:

• Start local, think regional — begin by serving your community, but stay open to opportunities in neighboring markets.
• Adaptability — what works in one place may not work in another. The winners are those who adjust pricing, packaging, or messaging to suit local needs without losing their brand identity.
• Purpose-driven business models — customers increasingly support brands that stand for something, whether it’s empowering women, sustainability, or sourcing locally.
• Agility over perfection — waiting for the “perfect” setup often means missing opportunities. The SMEs that thrive are those who test, learn, and adapt quickly.

Looking Ahead

The story of African SMEs is not one of scarcity, but of creativity and resilience. With the right mix of community, partnerships, and digital empowerment, women entrepreneurs are not only building businesses — they are shaping economies.

As I’ve learned through MomBoss Universe, when you equip women with the right tools and networks, growth is no longer just a possibility. It’s inevitable.

Written by

Lauren van Rooyen

CEO & Founder MomBoss Universe