Digital Empowerment of MSMEs: IsDB Vice President Calls for Urgency

As the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group convened its 2025 Annual Meetings in Algiers, Vice President (Operations) Dr. Rami Ahmed emphasized the critical role of digitally empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in member countries. He highlighted the central position of MSMEs in job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth, particularly in vulnerable communities, stressing that digital empowerment is a prerequisite for development. Ahmed reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to supporting MSMEs through flagship initiatives, including the Technology Deployment Cooperation Program (TDCP) and the Herfati Program, aimed at modernizing MSMEs, improving market access, and enhancing entrepreneurial capacity.

Key Takeaways:

• The IsDB Vice President (Operations) Dr. Rami Ahmed stressed the urgency of digitally empowering MSMEs in member countries, considering it a prerequisite for development.
• MSMEs play a central role in job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth, especially in vulnerable communities.
• The IsDB Group has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting MSMEs through initiatives such as the Technology Deployment Cooperation Program (TDCP) and the Herfati Program.
• Digital tools can significantly reduce poverty and create economic resilience in underserved areas, and tailored capacity-building programs are essential to bridge the digital divide.
• Inclusive digital platforms offer scalable solutions for income generation and community development.

Statistics:

• The IsDB Group has committed to supporting MSMEs through various initiatives, including the Technology Deployment Cooperation Program (TDCP) and the Herfati Program.
• MSMEs are responsible for a significant portion of employment generation and innovation in member countries.
• The IsDB Group has emphasized the importance of partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and targeted digital capacity development to bridge access gaps and unlock economic potential.

Sources:

• IsDB 2025 Annual Meetings Keynote Speech by Vice President (Operations) Dr. Rami Ahmed
• IsDB Realigned Strategy 2023-2025
• Remarks by Mrs. May Ali Babiker, director of the IsDB's Cooperation and Capacity Development Department
• National perspectives by Algerian Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Microenterprises, His Excellency Nourredine Ouadah
• Experience sharing by Ms. Dayu Dara Permata, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Pinhome (Indonesia)
• Speech by Dr. Nasser Heider, Director-General of Al Salam Bank, Algeria
• Remarks by Mr. Adil Alsharif, officer-in-Charge and Director-General of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD)