Small businesses lose out in EU-Africa forum

Businesses have criticised the EU-Africa Business Forum for not doing enough to encourage participation of small and medium-sized enterprises.

In a statement published on 31 March, the association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry said that the event, held in Brussels on 31 March and 1 April, was dominated by public institutions and large multinationals. 

“We need a balanced approach that includes the SME angle as promoter of employment, social cohesion and innovation,” said Arnaldo Abruzzini, secretary general of Eurochambres. “So why are SMEs not central to the business forum’s agenda?” he asked.