A Review of Donor-Funded Projects in Support of Micro- and Small-Scale Enterprises in West Africa: Case Studies

This paper presents case studies of nine donor-funded credit projects designed primarily to provide credit to micro-and small-scale enterprises (MSEs) in West Africa. These projects have had substantial technical assistance and a total budget of approximately US $5 million.

The paper determines the underlying concept of each project, what results it has achieved and where it aims to go in the future. It notes that projects fall into two large categories: those seeking to create enterprises with credit as the major component, compared with those seeking to provide credit to enterprises and individuals involved in productive activities, whether new or ongoing. Both categories of projects may also have other accompanying activities, such as business plan preparation, training, entrepreneurship development and technology. It concludes that the projects have many similarities and many differences.

[Adapted from author]