A new support scheme has been launched by a social enterprise to help prevent job losses in the face of COVID-19.

The programme, developed by global business consultancy firm The Challenges Group, will help ensure the survival of businesses, the safeguarding of jobs, and the availability of important products and services in Africa.

The Scotland-based firm has been working to support SMEs and business leaders in Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia since 1999.

It recognised the need to go further than online webinars to support managers to make the right decisions for their business in the face of the global crisis. 

Eoghan Mackie, Chief Executive, The Challenges Group, said:

This programme will help prevent the collapse of many businesses across our markets in Southern, Eastern and Western Africa.

Challenges is already working with key partners in its markets, and engaging funders with a view to scaling up the programme by underwriting or supporting the costs of companies going through the programme.

Mr Mackie continued:

This is a time when we all urgently need to be working together in order to save businesses and safeguard jobs and people’s livelihoods. We welcome discussion with partners who want to take a pro-active approach to protecting businesses.

Image: Challenges Group