The Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has charged global leaders to introduce policies that support entrepreneurship, decent work and sustainable enterprise growth in view of the vital roles micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are playing in creating jobs in national economies.
Houngbo, who gave the charge in his goodwill message to commemorate the International MSME Day 2026, said the global community celebrated the millions of MSMEs as well as the entrepreneurs, employers and workers whose innovation, dedication and talent continued to drive their success and contribution to economies and communities worldwide.
Describing the MSMEs as at the heart of global economies and societies and representing more than 90 per cent of businesses worldwide and creating two out of every three jobs, the labour expert noted that had been generating opportunity, driving innovation, strengthening local economies, and contributing directly to sustainable development and social progress globally.
Despite their roles in the global economic system, the ILO chief pointed out that the MSMEs were operating in an increasingly challenging environment as they faced the combined pressures of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate-related shocks, persistent inequalities, and tighter financial conditions across the world.
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Houngbo said that at the same time, the MSMEs were being asked to adapt to rapid technological, digital and green transitions, noting that though the challenges are real but so there are the opportunities.
According to him, new technologies, digital tools and innovation can help MSMEs become more productive, resilient and competitive by expanding access to markets, improve business performance, and create new pathways for growth.
He maintained that these opportunities must be accessible to all, stressing that without the right support, many enterprises—especially those in developing countries, in rural areas, and those led by women and young entrepreneurs—risk being left behind.
Houngbo explained that this explained why the ILO continued to place MSMEs at the centre of its vision for inclusive and sustainable development, conscious of the fact that enterprise success and social justice go hand in hand.
He further clarified: “For MSMEs to thrive, they need an enabling environment that supports entrepreneurship, investment, innovation and sustainable enterprise growth. This includes effective institutions, sound policies and regulations, access to finance, infrastructure and markets, as well as a skilled workforce and opportunities to embrace digital and green transformation.
“At the same time, resilient and sustainable MSMES depend on safe and healthy workplaces, respect for labour rights, sustainable social protection, and strong social dialogue. Decent work is not only a social objective—it is also a foundation for enterprise resilience, productivity and long-term success”, he added.
The labour expert pointed out that today, there was the need for renewed action and stronger partnerships among leaders to transform the huge potential of the MSMEs to inclusive prosperity for all
To achieve this, he canvassed: “Governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector must work together to create the conditions in which MSMEs can flourish. This means expanding access to affordable finance, strengthening digital infrastructure and skills, supporting formalization, promoting innovation, reducing unnecessary barriers to business development, and creating opportunities for MSMEs to participate fully in local and global markets.
“On this International MSME Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building economies that are more resilient, more inclusive and more sustainable.
“Because when MSMEs thrive, create decent work and contribute to shared prosperity, societies move forward”, the ILO chief added.
