Equitable Prosperity through Private Sector Development (M-SAWA)

M-SAWA supports its partners to implement project activities and make progress towards the achievement of its Ultimate, Intermediate, and Immediate level outcomes. At the Ultimate Outcome level, the project continues to see positive changes in income and job creation at the SE and SME level in support of its goal of creating equitable economic and employment growth for both men and women operating in project target counties and sectors. Based on the results of SE and SME surveys, at the ultimate outcome level 38% of SEs have reported increased incomes and 56% have experienced a positive change in jobs created from project inception to date, working towards a target of 75% of surveyed SEs (including 40% women SEs) for both indicators. Moreover, 51% (37% of which are women-led) of SMEs reported an increase in Net Income and 31% of these 78 surveyed SMEs (53% of which are women-led) reported change in jobs created against a target of 75% of surveyed SMEs (40% women-led). M-SAWA also implements training in the Gender Action Learning System (GALS). GALS is a participatory gender transformative approach premised on identifying inequalities and barriers and supporting participants to achieve their future vision for the household. Additionally, BDS has been delivered to a total of 237 SMEs (145 Women-led, 92 Men-led) from inception to date to help address challenges faced by SMEs.

Many of M-SAWA’s outputs have been achieved to date in reaching its ultimate, intermediate, and immediate outcomes. At the outcome level, much of M-SAWA’s expected impact will occur at the end of the project. However, early findings show the project has been successful in changing the perception regarding enterprise profitability for women and men small entrepreneurs’ applying gender-equitable and environmentally sustainable practices. Additonally, the project has achieved its goal of targeted SMEs and Lead Firm reporting positive change in competitiveness, as well as applying appropriate gender equitable business practices. Participating women and men small entrepreneurs also have reported change in their knowledge about available profitable business models and knowledge about gender equality.