MESH: Connecting Young Entrepreneurs in the Informal Sector
In a world where traditional education often falls short in preparing young people for the realities of the informal economy, MESH steps in as a game-changer. Acting as a LinkedIn for the informal sector, MESH aims to connect young entrepreneurs to each other, to capital, to gig opportunities, and to easily digestible business content. With over 400,000 users, ranging from hairdressers to DJs, MESH has become a thriving community where business advice is shared, products are advertised, and valuable knowledge is gained through videos on various topics like digital literacy and AI content creation.
Anuj Tanna, CEO and co-founder of MESH, highlights the disconnect between traditional education and the informal economy, stating that young people are often ill-prepared for the reality of building a business in this sector. MESH bridges this gap by providing a platform where users can not only learn from each other but also access opportunities from major companies looking to tap into Kenya’s vast informal sector. One major fast-moving consumer goods company, for example, has expanded its distribution network and added thousands of new retail outlets by offering gigs through the MESH platform.
In 2022, MESH partnered with Mastercard Strive, a global initiative aimed at supporting small businesses with innovative digital solutions tailored to their needs. This partnership has enabled MESH to scale its platform and help entrepreneurs grow their ventures by providing access to opportunities through private-sector partnerships. Payal Dalal, executive vice president for global programs at the Center for Inclusive Growth, emphasizes how digital transformation is empowering entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and build stronger networks, ultimately breathing new life into economies.
The next phase for MESH involves addressing the barrier of affordable access to capital and credit for young entrepreneurs. By collaborating with innovative credit providers, MESH plans to launch a credit product on its platform that focuses on financial education and responsible borrowing. This initiative aims to reach up to 5,000 entrepreneurs and help them understand how to make credit productive by acquiring the knowledge needed to build and grow their businesses.
The impact of MESH is already evident, with 60% of users seeing an increase in their incomes since joining the platform. This increase in income not only benefits the individual entrepreneurs but also has a ripple effect on the economy as a whole. When young people earn more, they are more likely to utilize digital financial services, employ their peers, and build up a financial cushion for the future.
For entrepreneurs like Josiah, MESH has been a game-changer. By leveraging the platform to improve his farming practices and connect with like-minded individuals, Josiah has seen significant improvements in his crops and even found time to complete an online course. Most importantly, MESH has provided him with a supportive community where personal challenges are addressed, and knowledge is shared, ultimately creating a new family for him.
In conclusion, MESH is not just a platform; it is a catalyst for change in the informal sector. By connecting young entrepreneurs, providing access to capital, and fostering a supportive community, MESH is empowering individuals to thrive in the informal economy and build a better future for themselves and their communities.