The 3rd EU-African SME Summit at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange didn’t feel like just another conference. It felt like a meeting of minds — and more importantly, of people. People who understand that entrepreneurship, especially in Africa, is about more than profit. It’s about purpose, resilience, and community.

The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, and innovators from both continents. But what really stood out wasn’t the titles or institutions: it was the shared desire to make things work. To create decent jobs. To unlock opportunities. To make sure the energy of Africa’s young workforce is matched by real support and access.

A big part of the discussions focused on how Europe’s Global Gateway strategy can connect with Africa’s own ambitions through the AfCFTA, to strengthen trade, build infrastructure, and support SMEs not just as economic actors, but as drivers of inclusive growth. It wasn’t just talk about frameworks; it was about finding real synergy between policy and people, and making sure entrepreneurs on the ground feel the impact.

The second day put a special spotlight on those very entrepreneurs. Through pitch sessions, business owners and innovators from across sectors. From agrifood to digital services, clean energy to fashion, presented real solutions to real development challenges. It was inspiring to see not just ideas, but lived experience, creativity, and ambition being taken seriously.

What struck me most was the human side of it all. Cooperation isn’t built on policy alone — it’s built on people looking each other in the eye and saying, Let’s do this together. Entrepreneurs from Europe and Africa spoke about challenges — finance, regulation, trade — but also about solutions, and how those solutions often start small and grow through connection.

There was no pretending that it’s easy, but there was a clear belief that it’s possible. If we join forces, remove the unnecessary barriers, and truly listen to each other, SMEs can be powerful engines for change. Not just economic growth, but inclusive, sustainable development — the kind that actually improves lives.

The major take away: a renewed sense of hope — not naive hope, but the kind that comes from people who are already doing the work, and just need the space and support to do more. The summit reminded us that when partnerships are rooted in trust and action, not just words, real progress can happen. And it’s already happening.