This week, AFI members joined a Virtual Member Training on ‘Green Transition Measures for MSMEs’. Based on a recent AFI publication on the topic, the training aimed to equip participants with knowledge and tools to support small businesses in their transition to sustainable practices.

Participants heard from member institutions in Egypt, Malaysia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Ecuador and Zambia, all of which have made significant progress on promoting sustainable practices and supporting green transitions.

Speakers from the World Wide Fund for Nature and Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation shared examples of green policies tailored to address the challenges faced by MSMEs.

One takeaway was that green transition policies for MSME not only help them contribute to the climate mitigation and adaptation agenda, but generate business opportunities in green sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. Critical to successful green transition measures is to understand MSMEs’ challenges and to incorporate gender considerations.

The training also covered the role of policymakers and regulators in climate risk reporting and disclosure requirements, and guided them in developing standardized guidelines for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures tailored for SMEs. A special focus was given to the development of training programs and networking opportunities for women-led MSMEs to aid their green transition.