SMEs across Africa face significant challenges related to data collection, utilization, and management - particularly along global supply chains. Data for Change is working to address these gaps, recognising that better data practices are essential for securing funding, improving business operations, and meeting increasing sustainability-related reporting demands. 

Our project aims to support the sustainability data utilization within SMEs to bolster global supply chain resilience. We will delve into the current state of sustainability data adoption among SMEs, identifying key challenges and opportunities. Through comprehensive research and engagement, we will develop a tailored data support program, providing SMEs with actionable insights and resources. By fostering strategic partnerships with data leaders across the global supply chain and beyond, we aim to create a collaborative ecosystem that empowers SMEs to make data-driven decisions and contribute to a more sustainable future.  

Expected Outcomes 

• Understanding the landscape: Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current state of sustainability data utilization among SMEs in Africa. 
• Identifying challenges and opportunities: Pinpointing the primary barriers and potential benefits associated with adopting sustainability data practices. 
• Developing a tailored Support Program: Creating a comprehensive program to equip SMEs in Sub-Saharan African economies with the resources, such as handbooks and tools, and expertise needed to harness sustainability data effectively. 
• Fostering collaboration: Building strong partnerships with data leaders across the supply chain to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices. 

Key metrics:  

• SME participation: Number of SMEs involved in the project and their level of engagement (in Community of Practice, Surveys, LinkedIn Groups and Events). 
• Partnership development & Sustainability of partnerships: Number and quality of relevant partnerships formed especially in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa; Provision of anchoring interventions at local institutions in agreements tracks sustainability of partnerships 
• Supply chain sustainability: Improvements in business and supply chain sustainability performance, as measured by business performance and supply chain integration of participating SMEs (e.g., export performance, waste reduction, business revenue). These values will be compared to our benchmark survey & key findings report from October 2024.