Johannesburg, South Africa – July 14, 2025 – The 3rd EU-African SME Summit, which concluded on June 21st in Johannesburg, served as a pivotal forum for discussing the future trajectory of Europe-Africa economic relations. Convening over 300 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders, the summit, guided by figures such as Christoph Ahlhaus, President of European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME, emphasized the indispensable role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in achieving sustainable development across both continents. While the summit facilitated high-level dialogues and B2B matchmaking sessions in critical sectors like agriculture, energy, and digitalization, the practical manifestation of its objectives can be observed in enterprises such as Ecopia (Ecological Products of Ethiopia) PLC, led by Dr. Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie.
Dr. Mitslal, an Ethiopian social entrepreneur with a PhD in international relations, embodies the type of indigenous African enterprise that aligns precisely with the strategic aims articulated at the Johannesburg summit. Her work with Ecopia, established in 2007, demonstrates a tangible model for localized economic empowerment and value creation that is directly pertinent to the “Agriculture and Agrifood” sector highlighted during the recent discussions. Ecopia’s operation involves collaboration with thousands of organic farmers in rural Ethiopia, processing and marketing high-quality organic food, natural cosmetics, and herbal medicines for both domestic and international markets.
This approach addresses fundamental development challenges, including poverty eradication in rural areas, by integrating smallholder farmers into formal, economically viable supply chains. It represents a shift from traditional aid paradigms towards a partnership model based on mutual benefit and market access – a core tenet championed by Mr. Ahlhaus and the European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME, particularly through their advocacy for “Shared Value.” This concept asserts that sustainable development goals can be achieved through smart business ideas that generate mutual benefits for both companies and communities, leveraging the inherent agility and local focus of SMEs.
The summit’s focus on unlocking trade opportunities through initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) finds a direct echo in Ecopia’s operational success. Dr. Mitslal’s enterprise illustrates how African SMEs can transition from subsistence to export-oriented production, adhering to international standards and contributing to a diversified African economy. Such initiatives contribute to the objective of fostering a unified African economic bloc, enabling the continent to engage global partners as co-architects of policy and trade frameworks.
As preparatory discussions for the upcoming 7th AU-EU Summit and the next continental EU-Africa Business Forum gain momentum, the trajectory set by ventures like Ecopia offers valuable insights. The emphasis on increased access to finance for African SMEs, digital inclusion, and intellectual property rights – priorities that Mr. Ahlhaus continues to champion – are foundational to scaling such models. Dr. Mitslal’s work provides a compelling illustration of how strategic investments and supportive frameworks can translate into tangible economic empowerment, thereby strengthening the foundational pillars of the broader EU-Africa partnership. Her enterprise stands as a testament to the potential of African-led initiatives to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development on the continent.
Written by ATB Journalists and the assistance of Professor Dr. Mitslal
Ecopia – https://ecopiavaluechain.com
