The recent article by David Pilling highlights the importance of micro-entrepreneurs in addressing poverty in Africa, which is often overlooked by large corporations. Despite the focus on big businesses, extreme poverty is still prevalent in remote and conflict-ridden areas where smaller enterprises can thrive. Programs aimed at addressing extreme poverty have been shown to be effective in transforming communities by teaching business skills and increasing household incomes. These approaches have positive impacts on diet, health, and people’s ability to save for the future.

According to Shameran Abed, executive director of Brac International, and Esther Duflo of MIT, the long-term success and scalability of these approaches are essential to eradicating extreme poverty in Africa. However, a comprehensive strategy that integrates proven methodologies with the development of larger businesses is necessary to create a resilient and inclusive economic landscape across Africa. Taddeo Muriuki, Chief Government Relations Officer at Village Enterprise in Nairobi, Kenya emphasizes the importance of recognizing the impact of smaller enterprises in addressing poverty and advocating for a comprehensive approach to development in Africa.