We bring deep expertise in designing and implementing evidence-based solutions that foster equitable market systems, strengthen private sector ecosystems, and promote regional integration. Our work is grounded in a commitment to gender equity and the economic empowerment of women and marginalized communities, ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable.
Private Sector Development
We support the growth of resilient and competitive private sectors by facilitating access to finance, improving business ecosystem, and strengthening value chains. A key pillar of our approach is the provision and scaling of Enterprise Development, including: Enterprise diagnostics and growth planning to help MSMEs identify bottlenecks and growth opportunities. Business Development Services (BDS) in areas such as financial literacy, digital transformation, and export readiness. Our BDS work is designed to be demand-driven, sustainable, and inclusive - ensuring that even the smallest enterprises can thrive. Market linkages and matchmaking to connect small enterprises with buyers, investors, and service providers. PPP capacity development for private sector and facilitate dialogues between the private and public sectors. Policy and regulatory reform within national and regional economic development frameworks.
Finance, Investment and Trade
Sub-Saharan Africa has the one of highest rate of entrepreneurship globally of which a large section of women -while underserved - are engaged in entrepreneurial activity. We promote inclusive access to finance, investments and deepened trade as a catalyst for economic growth. We use our deep contextual knowledge and technical expertise to reimagine solutions that reflect the energy and priorities of local communities and co-create initiatives that tap into, harnesss and collectivize our shared potential.
Our work supports:
- Ongoing efforts to harmonise trade and investment policies across EAC member states to reduce barriers and enhance market access.
- Capacity building for national and regional institutions, including technical assistance and deepen understanding of African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
- Support for regional value chains, enabling producers and SMEs to scale through regional demand aggregation and specialization.
- Promote diaspora remittance investment by supporting innovative mechanisms and tools to redeploy diaspora remittance to long-term economic growth and quality public service.
Women’s Economic Enterprise
We champion women owned/led enterprises by addressing gender-specific constraints, enhancing access to capital and networks, and embedding gender-responsive policies in economic programming. Our work ensures that women are not only participants but leaders in economic transformation.
What sets Asal apart?
- Women-led and women-owned leadership: Our organization is proudly led and co-owned by women. This perspective informs our design, partnerships, and delivery models, ensuring that gender equity is not an afterthought but a foundational principle.
- Proven track record in the design and implementation of programs and initiatives at the sub-national level and national level.
- Strong partnerships with public, private, and civil society actors to drive systemic change. Deep contextual knowledge of East African markets and policy environments.
