ABOUT AGS
Looking to improve your business skills and accelerate your growth? Interested in new partnerships and markets? Accelerated Growth for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Zambia (AGS) Programme helps you reach your full business potential.

Funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) of Zambia, AGS aims to accelerate the growth and competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in Zambia. We want to play our part in building MSMEs that contribute to the creation of jobs, well-being and inclusivity in the Zambian economy.

Furthermore, AGS aims to strengthen and create long-lasting business partnerships between Zambia and Finland. We support co-creation activities and access to markets locally, regionally and internationally.

AGS focus sectors:
Agribusiness
Forestry
Renewable Energy
Circular Economy
Mining Services
(ICT and Education as cross-cutting sectors)

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
Expected Impact of the Programme:
Improved competitiveness and accelerated growth of MSMEs in Zambia.
Strengthened business partnerships between Zambia and Finland.

Expected Outcome of the Programme:
Start-ups and MSMEs will:
operate in a supportive enabling environment
have enhanced capacity to grow
be able to access finance
compete on local and international markets.
Expected Outputs of the Programme:

Supporting MSME Development Policy review
Improved technical and business management skills for registered Zambian start-Ups and MSMEs
Increased innovation activities, business partnerships and linkages between Zambian start-Ups and MSMEs, and with Finnish businesses and Universities
Increased access to local, regional and international markets by Zambian start-Ups and MSMEs, and the Zambian market for Finnish businesses
Increased access to appropriate finance to implement effective business growth strategies.

Furthermore, AGS works with key Government agencies to improve the Zambian business environment and to encourage foreign investors into the country. This support spans from MSME policy development to capacitating business development hubs and service providers. Our key partners in this work include the Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Zambia Development Agency, National Technology Business Centre, and Business Development Service Providers Association Zambia.

SERVICES FOR ZAMBIAN BUSINESSES
AGS offers Zambian MSMEs and start-ups a range of opportunities to accelerate growth. Our work is focused on strengthening business skills, mentoring and coaching to take your company to the next level. We support the building of strategic business partnerships within Zambia and with Finland, and help you develop your product or service innovatively. Once your business case is strong enough, we’ll help you bring your solution to brand new markets.

LEARN Business Development Training​
LEVEL UP Accelerator​
LINK UP Business Matchmaking​
LEAP Co-creation and Innovation​
LAUNCH Market Access Services​

The AGS Team or Programme Management Unit coordinates and facilitations daily operations and the implementation of AGS activities.
Gareth Evans
Team Leader

Ernest Muwamba
Business Development Expert

Ville Pennanen
Business Partnerships Expert

Ignatius Mwaba
Business Development Officer

Elina Voipio
International Programme Officer

Precious Mwangu
Finance and Administration Officer

Anna Erkkilä
Home Office Expert

Esa Haapasalo
Home Office Coordinator

STEERING COMMITTEE
The AGS Steering Committee is the highest decision-making body that discusses strategic issues of the Programme. The members of the Steering Committee represent the following stakeholders.
Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry of Zambia
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Zambia Development Agency
National Technology Business Centre
Business Development Services Providers Association of Zambia
Finnpartnership
National Advisory Board for Impact Investing
Copperbelt University
Premiercon Starch Company Ltd