This discussion paper examines the roles of South Africa and Kenya as regional gateways for global value chains (GVCs) coordinated by multinational corporations (MNCs), and the obstacles small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) face in entering those value chains, owing to the voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) enacted by MNCs. As SMEs play a significant role in the formal and informal sector, both of which are crucial to the two countries’, and their neighbours’, economies, integrating them successfully holds developmental gains. However, standards can be a barrier to such integration, raising developmental challenges. Accordingly, the paper reviews the standards framework
in each country, building on case studies to discern patterns of MNC incorporation of SMEs into their value chains and the constraints SMEs face in this regard. The paper focuses on sustainability standards, particularly in relation to environmental and social standards, and how these have developed into requirements for participating in cross-border value chains. The paper
concludes with recommendations for the G20 to assist SMEs’ ability to participate in GVC development and advance South Africa and Kenya as regional gateways.
