Objectives:

The phenomenon of digitalization has opened new venues and opportunities to SMEs and SME Finance institutions. They should be recognised and utilized rapidly by the SMEs and National Development Finance Institutions (NDFIs) in order to avoid lagging behind digitalisation.

The objective of this year’s International Development Forum is to analyse the current state of knowledge about contributions of SMEs to economic and social well-being globally and in OIC Countries.

The Forum will attempt to examine the opportunities and challenges SMEs face in a global and digital economy, among others, finance, innovation, regulation, digitalisation, employment, skills, trade, internationalisation and global value chains and environment. The forum could advance the debate and catalyse improvements in SME policies in OIC Member countries to deliver more sustainable and inclusive growth.

The Forum is expected to be addressed by senior officials from the World Bank/IFC; IDB, OECD, East African Development Bank, IMF, SESRIC, and CEOs from over 15 countries.

Themes of the Forum will include, among others:

• Global SME Landscape and Future Outlook
• Digital Transformation for NDFIs and SMEs – Is it Necessary?
• NDFIs and SME Financing Practices – Traditional and Alternative Finance Models: Innovation and Meeting Future Needs & Challenges
• Future of Blockchain and Equity Crowdfunding for SMEs
• Future of Cryptocurrencies
• Creating an Enabling Environment and Global Approach to Legislative and Facilitative Aspects of SME Development
• Islamic Finance, Fintech and SMEs

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