The All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AAASME) has resolved to establish new offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Houston, USA, as part of its expansion strategy.
The decision was reached during the association’s first Executive Council (EXCO) meeting for the second quarter of 2026, held on May 7, according to a statement endorsed by AAASME President Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri.
The Nairobi office proposal was tabled by AAASME Youth Envoy Philip Pande, while the Houston initiative was introduced by Vice President (Diaspora) Dadiowei Kingsley Akpeti. To facilitate the Nairobi rollout, President Eradiri directed Vice President for East Africa Emmanuel Mutabazi to work closely with Dr. Pande on the setup process. The office will be officially inaugurated by Deputy President Rose Mboya, alongside Secretariat CEO Jacinta Kiruthi and other leaders at a later date.
Dr. Eradiri also confirmed his readiness to personally inaugurate the Houston office, tasking the Diaspora Vice President with ensuring all logistical arrangements are finalized ahead of the launch.
AAASME strongly condemned recent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting African-owned businesses in South Africa, describing the incidents as “unfortunate and detrimental to continental integration efforts.” In response, the association approved the establishment of a special desk office in Harare to assess the impact of the attacks on SMEs and micro businesses operating in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the association stressed that xenophobic violence undermines key African Union initiatives, including Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AAASME further urged African SMEs to continue supporting the #BorderlessAfricaNow campaign, led by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) and co-championed by AAASME.
