SMEs as Agents of Peace and Security: Insights from the 2023 YouthConnekt Africa Summit

Abstract

This study examines the potential of youth-led Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to contribute significantly
to Africa’s peace and security agenda. Drawing on
insights from the 2023 YouthConnekt Africa Summit, the
paper highlights the critical role that these enterprises
can play in fostering peaceful engagement and
addressing the root causes of conflict. By investing in
youth leadership capacity, supporting youth-led
initiatives, and creating safe spaces for dialogue,
governments and stakeholders can leverage on the
power of youth-led SMEs to promote positive
peacebuilding outcomes. The study further identifies key
areas for engagement, including contextual specificity,
understanding the root causes of threats and
opportunities, going beyond tokenism, and
implementing comprehensive national action plans on
youth, peace, and security. While youth-led SMEs offer
a promising avenue for peacebuilding. Further research
is needed to understand their impact and develop
effective strategies for supporting their growth and
success.