The Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Small & Medium Enterprises & Handicrafts Partners with Software Group to Accelerate Digitalization
(Dec 20, Republic of Congo) - The Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Handicrafts (MPMEA) of the Republic of Congo and Software Group have entered into a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement the Ministry’s digital solutions projects in the country. The partnership aims to improve the technological operating environment for Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Crafts operating in the Republic of Congo.
Under the MOU, Software Group will introduce transformative solutions, including the deployment of the SME Booster platform and an innovative Open Banking and Regulatory Sandbox solution targeted at the SMEs and Crafts sector.
The SME Booster platform, which is powered by Software Group's DigiWave platform, is an ecosystem designed to empower entrepreneurs, microenterprises, and SMEs in the country. Comprising business academy, financing, and e-commerce modules, the platform provides free business training, online financing, and e-commerce tools. Additionally, it facilitates the collection of data through field surveys and establishes a national register for the identification, certification, and traceability of artisanal products. This register aims to enhance market value by ensuring product control and eliminating counterfeit products, thereby elevating the overall quality in the market.
Furthermore, a mobile factoring platform will make it possible to digitalize B2B financing and promote SME growth; an Open Banking and Regulatory Sandbox solution will introduce innovative instruments to enhance the digital environment for start-ups within the SME and Craft sector. The list of digital solutions offered by Software Group goes on.
Recognising the importance of fostering collaboration to boost digital government services, provide access to funding and digital solutions for SME businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, MPMEA Minister, Jacqueline Lydia Mikolo noted:
"This is a platform that integrates tools allowing SMEs as well as craftsmen to master the process of requesting and receiving digital credits; setting up a virtual gallery for e-commerce. Many young Congolese already sell online. We must offer them more solutions so that they can develop their activities,"
Software Group CEO, Kalin Radev, echoed this sentiment during the MOU signing, saying:
"It is a great honour to collaborate with the Ministry and support the government's digital transformation agenda. We are confident that the solutions we will implement over the next few months will not only benefit SMEs and the crafts sector but also create substantial growth opportunities for entrepreneurs in the country."
The project is set to be completed in two phases, with the SME Booster platform scheduled for initial deployment, followed by the Open Banking and Regulatory Sandbox solution later in the year.
About MPMEA
The Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Handicrafts of The Republic of Congo is the technical body which assists the Minister in the implementation of his responsibilities in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises. It is responsible, in particular: To determine the stages of achieving the Nation's objectives in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises; To establish development plans and programs for Small and Medium Enterprises; To promote the creation and development of Small and Medium Enterprises in all sectors of activity of the national economy; To issue opinions on the creation or expansion of businesses, in accordance with the development program for Small and Medium Enterprises.
About Software Group
Software Group is a global technology company specialised in digitalization and integration solutions for financial service providers. It currently serves a worldwide client base in more than 70 countries from 9 regional offices located in Australia, Bulgaria, Egypt, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, and the USA. Among the customers of Software Group are organisations like Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mastercard and Mastercard Foundation, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asia Development Bank, Asia Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU), Standard Bank, BBVA, Access Bank Germany, Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB), Atlantic Bank Group, Bank South Pacific, Commercial International Bank Egypt, Bank de Caire, Dosh New Zealand, Allianz Bank, Eurobank, Generali, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Kenya Commercial Bank and more than 200 financial service providers from across the globe. Learn more at www.softwaregroup.com.
For more information, please contact:
Email: marketing@softwaregroup.com