One of the key priorities for the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA) is building the township economy, with a particular emphasis on capacitating small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
TEDA in collaboration with the South African Electrotechnical Export Council (SAEEC) and the Innovation Hub will be hosing the 2025 SMME Symposium on the 6 May.
The symposium, under the theme ‘Township Economy – Building Future Industries’, is anchored on the understanding that the City of Tshwane’s SMMEs are pivotal to developing a range of future-oriented economic sectors.
The event builds on the strong foundation laid by the successful launch in 2023. The SMME Symposium aligns with the strategic objectives of national and provincial policies focused on uplifting and championing the township economy.
These policies, including the Gauteng Township Economic Development Act passed in May 2022, seek to promote inclusive economic growth and harness the potential of all companies and individuals living in Gauteng.
The event will provide a platform to foster meaningful engagement between SMMEs and a diverse group of stakeholders including government agencies, funding institutions, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and multinational organisations.
A key role player in the event is Standard Bank.
Senior manager of Enterprise and Supplier Development in Business & Commercial Banking, Nokhanyo Ntshingila, says: “Standard Bank is proud to be one of the trusted partners for growth to entrepreneurs at this year’s SMME Symposium.
“As we support their journey, we integrate these businesses into established platforms that support them build resilience and unlock growth opportunities.”
Ntshingila notes that SMMEs are critical to driving economic growth. “Through our Enterprise Supplier Development programmes, we provide them with access to markets, insights, tools and networking opportunities that enable sustainable business growth.”
The symposium will unlock opportunities for participants to make connections, encourage collaboration, and assist SMMEs in accessing crucial supply chains and markets.
The 2025 symposium will place a spotlight on Tshwane SMMEs operating in sectors identified as critical for future economic growth, including renewable energy, green technology, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, consumer electronics, and electrical vehicle manufacturing.
By focusing on these high-growth industries, TEDA and its partners aim to strategically position
South Africa as a key role player in the procurement of components needed by these future industries.
The 2025 SMME Symposium will:
Showcase SMME products and services to larger companies and government departments, creating
opportunities for market expansion.
- Offer SMMEs a valuable opportunity to interact directly with officials from funding institutions,
OEMs, and procurement officers, facilitating access to finance and partnerships. - Assist SMMEs in navigating the registration process to become suppliers for both public and private
sector organisations, increasing their participation in the formal economy.
Tshwane Economic Development Agency
1ST Floor | Lakeview Building | 1277 Mike Crawford Avenue Centurion
P O BOX 7314, Centurion, 0046 | Tel: 012 358 6552 | www.teda.org.za - Integrate SMME’s into the supply chains of larger organisations, creating sustainable business
relationships and contribute to economic inclusion.
TEDA and its partners expects that this year’s summit will exceed the impact which was observed during the 2023 event which showcased the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of the township economy.
The 2023 symposium witnessed a turnout of 66 individuals. Participants included 10 SMME exhibitors, as well as information displays by two OEMs and three governmental institutions and agencies.
Looking ahead to the 2025 symposium, the organisers are aiming to build on this success and will feature 25 SMMEs which will include 15 returning exhibitors and 10 new entrants.
The SMME Symposium 2025 represents a key initiative in pursuit of this strategic objective, demonstrating TEDA’s dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth and harnessing the immense potential of Tshwane’s SMME sector.
The Innovation Hub’s eKasi Lab programme offers development initiatives focused on skills and enterprise development. This aligns with the SAEEC mandate to develop SMMEs in the sector and TEDA’s agenda to nurture SMMEs in the focus sectors of Automotive and Renewable Energy.
SAEEC views TEDA as a key collaborative partner in growing SMMES for both domestic and international markets.
In support of inclusive and transformative growth programmes, both the SAEEC and TEDA are focused on exposing new entrants to local and international supply chains.
The contributing organisations will collaborate to maximise the impact of the SMME Symposium 2025.
Standard Bank Enterprise and Supplier Development
Standard Bank’s Enterprise and Supplier Development programme supports SMMEs by providing tailored financial and non-financial solutions to ensure business sustainability.
Through the programme, the bank helps SMMEs integrate into supply chains, helping them start, manage and grow, while contributing to economic development.
The bank’s Enterprise Development ecosystem provides the infrastructure through which entrepreneurs can overcome the access, finance, and skills and resources hurdles currently challenging SMME formation in South Africa.
The bank is currently running needs-based business development programs delivered by its own advisers as well as selected external experts. These programmes provide hundreds of qualifying businesses with the skills to grow and become sustainable.
- The Basali Development Programme – a nationwide 12-month business empowerment initiative
for female entrepreneurs. Now in its second year, Basali currently supports 100 women-owned
businesses from a variety of industries with skills development and thought-leadership masterclasses. - The Standard Bank Western Cape Accelerator Programme – a 12-week growth course supporting
50 businesses in the Western Cape across various industries with skills development and
mentorship. - The Standard Bank Enterprise Development Programme – a 12-month business development
partnership aimed at supporting 10 businesses in various sectors with skills development and
coaching.
In 2023, 3 508 jobs were sustained, 2 170 new jobs were created, and 893 businesses received support.
In addition, the bank disbursed R43.1-million in grant funding and R148.9-million in loans to help SMME businesses scale their operations.