Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) are central to the promotion of decent work, economic growth and social justice. Despite their significance, MSMEs face the triple challenge of low productivity, poor working conditions and high vulnerability to economic, political and environmental shocks. Women, young workers and entrepreneurs operating in the informal economy are particularly vulnerable, and face additional constraints.
To overcome these barriers, the ILO supports governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations to foster an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises, advance entrepreneurship, create better market access, enhance productivity and promote formalization and decent work, thereby unlocking the full potential of MSMEs as drivers of human-centred, green and resilient growth.
70%
MSMEs account for about 70 per cent of total employment worldwide
80%
A large share of 80 per cent MSMEs operate in informal economies
33%
MSMEs productivity is only one third of large firms
66%
In emerging markets, 66 percent of SMEs reported having already been affected by climate change
News and articles
Start and improve your business
ILO extends capacity building support to business development service providers in Ethiopia
Capacity building workshop advances Kenya's ecosystem restoration strategy
Key areas of work
Entrepreneurship promotion
Productivity and working conditions
Market Access
Enterprises Formalization
MSME policies for enabling environment and decent work
Green and Resilient MSMEs
Small matters
Why small matters
Small goes digital
Publications
Insights into ILO Formalize Your Business in Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia and Senegal
Productivity measurement and analysis: A guidance note
A 10-question pocket guide to making MSD work for you
Global programmes
Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work
Systems Change Initiative for productive employment
