The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) took center stage at the SBI & Business Partners Ltd SME Indaba, held at the prestigious Bryanston Country Club in Johannesburg.
Under the theme “SME Finance as a Growth Enabler,” the event spotlighted innovative strategies to bolster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa.
Nhlanhla Nyembe, NEF’s Divisional Executive for SME & Rural Development, joined a high-profile panel discussion titled “Opportunities for Small Businesses in South Africa,” moderated by David Morobe of Business Partners Ltd.
The panel included Heather Lowe, Head of SME Development at FNB Commercial SME Segment and Vumela Enterprise Development Fund; Nkosikhona Mbatha, CEO of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA); and Zizipho Nyanga, Head of SME Banking at African Bank.
Together, the experts explored the evolving SME landscape, emphasizing the pivotal role of accessible finance in driving economic growth. They shared practical insights on overcoming barriers and unlocking opportunities for small businesses, particularly in underserved township and rural areas.
Nyembe underscored the NEF’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs, stating, “Our mission is to provide robust support for SMEs, fostering sustainable development in communities that need it most.”
The discussion highlighted actionable strategies, from innovative financing models to tailored support programs, aimed at strengthening South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Indaba reaffirmed the critical role of collaboration between financial institutions, government agencies, and private partners in building a resilient SME sector, poised to drive job creation and economic transformation
