MESMER Program
What is MESMER Program?
MESMER is a 5-year program launched in October 2022 to support 72,200 enterprises and 410,800 jobs by creating access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises to realize their growth prospects and resilience. MESMER will also work to provide support to enterprises through business development support, psychosocial services, and technical assistance to financial institutions. MESMER is a countrywide program implemented by First Consult in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation as part of the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy and will strive to create dignified and fulfilling work for the youth, the majority of them women. The FDRE Ministry of Labour and Skills is the main government counterpart for the program. Other partners include financial institutions (banks, microfinance institutions, and digital financial service providers), BDS, and psychosocial support providers.
01
Credit
For startups and MSMEs to support their growth, resillience and sustainable access
02
Grant
For informal enterprises in conflict affected areas to support their recovery and resilience
03
Business Development Service
To enhance MSMEs' bankability, capability and growth.
04
Psychosocial Service
To support psychological and mental readiness, recover from shocks and re-engage in businesses
05
Technical Assistance
For financial institutions to ensure delivery of responsive, innovative and diversified financial services to MSMEs at scale
Building on this sucess, the Mastercard Foundation and First Consult present to you . . .
❠MESMER❠
. . . the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Recovery and Resilience Program
Program Governance
MESMER program is governed by three layers: the advisory council, national investment committee, and regional investment committee.
Advisory Council
This is the highest governance body for the program tasked with providing strategic oversight, guidance as well as high-level representations of the program.
National Investment Committee
is responsible for ensuring that the program achieves its ultimate objective of helping enterprises achieve recovery, resilience, and growth. The national investment committee will oversee the MESMER program implementation.
Regional Investment Committee
is expected to facilitate, provide guidance and monitor implementation in the regions. Based on direction from the Advisory Council, the RIC may be formed in all regions as required.
Partnering Financial Institutions
The program’s partner banks administer the credit funds and extend lending services to participant enterprises selected by the program. With guidance from First Consult, and by mobilizing their branch network, the banks will help enterprises apply for the credit, undertake credit appraisal of pre-screened enterprises, and disburse the credit for approved enterprises. The banks will also ensure program’s reach in rural areas by partnering with microfinance institutions.
Partners
This facility is supported by three stakeholders each with a distinct role in facilitating the process.
