Step into the pages of history and witness the transformative power of entrepreneurial spirit as we mark ’70 Years of Investing in Entrepreneurs’ at this year’s MEDA Convention. This journey isn’t just a celebration of the past; it’s a bridge that connects our storied legacy to the path we’re blazing toward a future of lasting impact and change. Join us as we honor the pioneers who ignited change, explore how their legacy propels us forward towards the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
This year’s Convention theme not only commemorates the history but sets the stage for where MEDA is heading – a future deeply rooted in fostering sustainable economic growth through the empowerment of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship is at the core of MEDA’s work.
Over the past seven decades, MEDA has had the incredible privilege to partner with hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs, working in more than 70 countries throughout our 70-year history. Through collaboration and partnership, we have undertaken many impactful initiatives, creating business solutions to poverty, and equipping women, youth, and men around the globe with access to the resources they needed to build brighter futures.
Today, MEDA’s mission to create business solutions to poverty burns brighter than ever. Our goal is lasting impact at scale so that – from production facilities to bustling markets and rural farms – we continue to see communities break the cycle of poverty through the power of business for another 70 years.
As we work, we grow, we learn, and we adapt – just like the entrepreneurs we support!
There have been many changes throughout the decades, and we have had to adapt to ensure we continue to drive impactful and sustainable change in the countries where we work. The international development landscape has shifted significantly over the past 20 years, and as a result, so has how MEDA conducts operations.
Our vision for the future is impact at scale.
Our goal is to create and sustain 500,000 decent work opportunities by 2030. It’s at the forefront of future projects and our ongoing mission. What continues to define and shape our story is our focus on using business solutions to create prosperous markets for ‘agri-preneurs’ through strong, local partnerships to build resilient communities and enable long term, sustainable change.
The last 70 years have strengthened MEDA’s commitment to business solutions to poverty.
MEDA’s work has always encouraged collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and communities. Our many years of experience have reinforced our belief that those closest to the challenge understand it best. We work closely with partner organizations as part of our project and ensure local perspectives are front and center in program design and implementation.
And we’ve always worked in agriculture. We have decades of experience in the sector. Now, it’s time to harness that expertise to drive change within a sector that has exponential potential for growth. More than 78% of the world’s poorest communities are rural areas that rely on agriculture for their basic needs and work opportunities. As humanity faces ever-increasing pressure from climate change, inequality, and inequitable access to economic opportunities, capital and markets, creating and sustaining decent work – particularly in agriculture – is critical for reducing poverty.
A chance to celebrate!
We want to celebrate 70 years of economic development and the entrepreneurs we’ve been privileged to partner with along the journey. Join us in Toronto, Ontario from November 2-5th for an unforgettable weekend of celebration, conversation, and inspiration. The weekend will be full of engaging sessions, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute with friends new and old!
Be a part of this special celebration and experience firsthand the impact of entrepreneurship through MEDA’s legacy. Register today!
