Nourishing Communities
MSMEs make up the majority of food vendors in low- and middle-income countries, directly shaping what families eat every day. Their decisions determine which foods reach the plate
GAIN Celebrates
World MSME Day 2026
Innovation: The Future of Nutrition Businesses
GAIN is spotlighting nutrition MSMEs using innovation, digital tools, and new ways of working to improve efficiency, strengthen business sustainability, and build more resilient food systems.
22nd-27th June 2026
___WHY MSMES MATTER
Small Businesses.
Enormous Impact.
Nutrition MSMEs are vital to food systems, connecting producers to consumers and helping nutritious foods reach the people who need them most. As markets shift and pressures grow, these businesses are also adapting — using innovation, digital tools, and new intelligence solutions to improve how they operate, serve customers, and remain sustainable.
Yet many MSMEs face barriers such as limited finance, weak logistics, post-harvest losses, fragmented markets, and limited access to digital tools. Supporting them is critical to building more resilient, inclusive, and nutrition-sensitive food systems.
MSMEs are the backbone of food systems. Here's why they're the key to healthier diets for billions.
Driving Inclusive Growth
MSMEs generate millions of jobs along food value chains — especially for women and youth. Supporting these businesses builds economic resilience where it matters most.
Strengthening Food Systems
When MSMEs thrive, food systems become more diverse, adaptive, and equitable. They reduce losses, shorten supply chains, and ensure nutritious food reaches everyone.
Five thematic areas
How MSMEs are helping build healthier food systems
These five areas show where MSMEs can drive practical change — from digital innovation and safer workplaces to nutritious foods, reduced losses, and youth-led opportunity.
01
Innovation & digital tools
Leveraging technology to help MSMEs manage supply, reach customers, and improve traceability.
02
Safe workplaces
Working with employers to ensure food-business workers access safe, nutritious meals and health support.
03
Increased nutritious foods
Increasing availability and affordability of diverse, safe and nutritious foods through MSME supply chains.
04
Reduced food losses
Equipping MSMEs with tools and knowledge to cut post-harvest losses and improve food quality.
05
Youth opportunity
Creating pathways for young entrepreneurs to enter, innovate, and lead food systems businesses.
MSME Day resources
World MSME Day resources
The resources below spotlight MSMEs and entrepreneurs using practical innovation, technology, logistics, and market-based solutions to reduce food loss, improve food safety, strengthen food systems, and make nutritious foods more accessible.
Nigeria
Kennie O. Cold Chain Logistics
Kennie O. Cold Chain Logistics uses temperature-stabilising technology to keep fresh foods safe and reduce food waste.
Nigeria
Seun Sangoleye – Baby Grubz
Her story includes automated filling and sealing machines, solar power adoption, and switching from petrol to electric. She clearly improved efficiency and sustainability.
Mozambique
Promoting Food Safety One Bicycle at a Time
Mozambique Nutribaik highlights a practical last-mile solution for promoting food safety and improving access to nutritious foods.
Bangladesh
Equipping the Youth with Agriculture Technology
A story from Bangladesh showing how agriculture technology can equip young people and strengthen food systems.
Pakistan
Whey2Value Transforming Whey into Wellness
An innovative partnership in Pakistan that transforms whey water from cheese production into affordable, nutritious drinks.
Pakistan
Two Years of Saving Fruits from Loss to Nourish Pakistan
The Himalayan Foods impact story highlights work to reduce fruit loss and support nutritious food systems in Pakistan.
Explore More
Programme highlights and opportunities
Alongside the World MSME Day campaign, explore related GAIN initiatives and opportunities supporting healthier food systems, workplace nutrition, and nutrition-focused MSMEs.
Workforce Nutrition
Workforce Nutrition Programme
Healthier workplaces, stronger businesses
Healthy workers are more productive workers. GAIN Uganda is implementing a Workplace Nutrition initiative aimed at improving employees’ access to nutritious diets and enhancing dietary diversity.
The programme includes nutrition awareness sessions, menu assessments and improvements, and continuous engagement with participating workplaces.
Past Opportunity
FreshValue Innovation Challenge
MSME innovation for healthier food systems in Uganda
Earlier in June, GAIN invited entrepreneurs and small businesses across fruit and vegetable value chains to pitch innovations that reduce food loss and improve access to nutritious produce.
The call has now closed, but the story continues through winner announcements, impact stories, and campaign blogs spotlighting MSMEs turning innovation into practical food system solutions.
Previous campaigns
Past MSME Day campaigns
2025
World MSME Day 2025
Revisit GAIN’s 2025 World MSME Day campaign and explore the stories, insights, and activities shared during the campaign.
2024
World MSME Day 2024
Look back at GAIN’s 2024 World MSME Day campaign and the work to spotlight MSMEs in healthier food systems.
Yetunde Olarewaju
Senior Associate, Planning & Communications