South Africa’s tourism sector is growing, but many SMEs lack the working capital needed to execute contracts. New figures show how payment delays and upfront costs can exclude smaller suppliers.
Tag: SMEs
AI Adoption in African Businesses: From Tools to Capability
Ayoub El Machatt draws on two Moroccan examples to explain how African businesses can turn AI experimentation into accountable workflows and measurable results.
Cyberattacks Hit 82% of META SMBs as Password-Stealer Threats Surge 51% in Africa
Cybersecurity risks are intensifying for smaller businesses across the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, with Kaspersky reporting rising phishing, credential theft and malware threats.
Why African E-Commerce Still Struggles to Scale Across Borders
African e-commerce is growing, but scaling across borders remains difficult. Payments, logistics, customs, data and trust are still major barriers for SMEs seeking regional growth.
Johannesburg Street Food Boom: How Local Businesses Are Putting South Africa on the Global Food Map
Johannesburg’s street food scene is gaining global recognition, creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, small businesses and South Africa’s growing tourism economy.
Paystack Opens Applications for SME Growth Programme Supporting Nigerian Merchants
Paystack has launched applications for its new Small Business Launchpad, a four-week growth programme offering Nigerian SMEs expert mentoring, business clinics, priority support, and free payment processing incentives.
Google Hustle Academy Relaunches With UpSkill Universe to Deliver Free AI Skills Training Across Africa
Google and UpSkill Universe have relaunched the Hustle Academy program to provide free AI skills training to individuals and entrepreneurs across Sub-Saharan Africa. The redesigned 2026 edition expands access beyond business owners, offering practical, hands-on learning through webinars and bootcamps focused on digital commerce, marketing, and growth strategy. The initiative aims to bridge the AI skills gap, enhance digital competitiveness, and support job creation in Africa’s rapidly evolving, AI-driven economy.
Driving Africa’s Digital Future: Insights from Tamu Dutuma, Absa’s Head of Strategy & Transformation
Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy & Transformation at Absa Regional Operations, shares insights on unlocking SME growth in Africa through technology, cross-border trade, digital payments, and ecosystem collaboration. He highlights the transformative role of fintech, partnerships, and early-stage startup engagement in shaping Africa’s digital economy.
Confidence Is the New Currency in the AI Economy
In the AI-driven economy, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Africa, particularly South Africa, face a critical gap: confidence in using digital tools. While many businesses have adopted digital payments and AI technologies, hesitation and complexity still hinder progress. Confidence is key to transforming technology into real business growth, but it cannot be achieved through data overload or poorly designed systems. AI has the potential to provide clarity and timely, relevant insights, supporting leaders in making confident, informed decisions. The future of digital tools for SMBs lies not in complexity, but in focused, actionable solutions that enhance confidence and leadership.
Premier Credit Uganda Secures $1.5 Million Investment from Swiss Impact Asset Manager Enabling Qapital
Premier Credit Uganda, a subsidiary of Platcorp Group, has secured a $1.5 million investment from Enabling Qapital, a Swiss impact asset manager, to expand financial inclusion in Uganda. The funding will scale microfinance services, support SMEs, and extend access to credit for women, youth, and rural communities, reinforcing Platcorp’s leadership in sustainable finance across Africa.