The impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs in Developing Countries

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), especially in developing countries. Indeed, they were the most affected by lockdowns, travel restrictions and other measures taken by governments to contain the virus, particularly given their limited savings. This note reviews governments’ responses to support MSMEs in the face of COVID-19, and considers possible avenues to further help them tap into arising digitalisation and market access opportunities.