Digital Innovation and AI Incubation Programme for Township SMMEs in Gauteng: Pathways to Enhanced Business and Operating Models.

Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been recognized as crucial drivers of economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation in South Africa since the mid-90s. The National Development Plan (NDP) envisions SMMEs generating the vast majority of new jobs by 2030. Furthermore, the President’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan emphasises SMMEs as central to industrialization, localization, and export-led growth. Sadly, the high mortality rate of SMMEs continues to hinder their transformative potential.

To address these challenges, our Centre for Emerging Researchers (CER), in partnership with the JBS Innovation Hub and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, launched the Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Tools for SMMEs Programme. This initiative aims to empower SMMEs across Gauteng with the digital skills and tools necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Our inaugural cohort of SMMEs, recruited from diverse regions throughout Gauteng, has successfully participated in this transformative program. These entrepreneurs represent a wide range of industries and hail from areas including Winterveld, Thembisa, and Carltonville. We eagerly anticipate expanding the program to reach even more SMMEs in the coming years.

The Graduation Ceremony will celebrate their achievements and mark a crucial milestone in their journeys toward sustainable, digitally-driven businesses.