The Icebolethu Foundation has, over the past seven years, actively empowered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through targeted initiatives, including its signature eKasi Business Fair and Supplier Development Programme. These programmes aim to integrate township and rural businesses into the broader economy by offering access to markets, mentorship and funding opportunities.


Most recently, the Icebolethu Foundation launched a new initiative in partnership with public‑ and private‑sector companies to help SMMEs scale their operations and drive job creation.


Thami Ngubeni spoke to Ayanda Mcoyi, Manager at the Icebolethu Foundation.

The Icebolethu Foundation has, over the past seven years, actively empowered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through targeted initiatives, including its signature eKasi Business Fair and Supplier Development Programme. These programmes aim to integrate township and rural businesses into the broader economy by offering access to markets, mentorship and funding opportunities.
 Most recently, the Icebolethu Foundation launched a new initiative in partnership with public‑ and private‑sector companies to help SMMEs scale their operations and drive job creation.
 Thami Ngubeni spoke to Ayanda Mcoyi, Manager at the Icebolethu Foundation.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks &amp; market updates.

Business Africa

Africa in Business

SME Feature: Icebolethu Foundation’s eKasi Business Fair and Supplier Development Programme

In this week’s Standard Bank slot, we turn our attention to the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo, taking place on the 16th and 17th in Johannesburg, South Africa. Standard Bank is the headline sponsor of this annual event, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to strengthening the domestic economy through localisation and SME empowerment.


Thami Ngubeni spoke to Nokhanyo Ntshingila, Senior Manager for Enterprise & Supplier Development Programmes at Business and Commercial Banking South Africa at Standard Bank Group.

In this week&rsquo;s Standard Bank slot, we turn our attention to the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit &amp; Expo, taking place on the 16th and 17th in Johannesburg, South Africa. Standard Bank is the headline sponsor of this annual event, reaffirming the bank&rsquo;s commitment to strengthening the domestic economy through localisation and SME empowerment.
 Thami Ngubeni spoke to Nokhanyo Ntshingila, Senior Manager for Enterprise &amp; Supplier Development Programmes at Business and Commercial Banking South Africa at Standard Bank Group.

Standard Bank reaffirms its commitment to empowering SMEs through the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo

South Africa’s economy recorded modest growth in the final quarter of 2025. Figures released by Statistics South Africa show that Gross Domestic Product grew by 0.4%, up slightly from 0.3% in the third quarter.


Channel Africa’s Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, reports.

South Africa&rsquo;s economy recorded modest growth in the final quarter of 2025. Figures released by Statistics South Africa show that Gross Domestic Product grew by 0.4%, up slightly from 0.3% in the third quarter.
 Channel Africa&rsquo;s Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, reports.

South Africa's economy records modest growth in the final quarter of 2025

Burkina Faso has unveiled a $64‑billion National Development Plan (PND) for the period 2026–2030, aimed at transforming its economy and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth. The plan focuses on four strategic priorities, including enhancing security and strengthening social cohesion, viewed as essential foundations for long‑term development.


Key objectives of the PND include expanding local processing of raw materials, increasing the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy and developing infrastructure that supports industrialisation and value‑addition. Authorities say the plan represents a significant step toward diversifying the economy and reducing vulnerability to external shocks.


Thami Ngubeni spoke to Bernard Ouandji, Former Senior Economist for the United Nations.

Burkina Faso has unveiled a $64‑billion National Development Plan (PND) for the period 2026&ndash;2030, aimed at transforming its economy and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth. The plan focuses on four strategic priorities, including enhancing security and strengthening social cohesion, viewed as essential foundations for long‑term development.
 Key objectives of the PND include expanding local processing of raw materials, increasing the mining sector&rsquo;s contribution to the national economy and developing infrastructure that supports industrialisation and value‑addition. Authorities say the plan represents a significant step toward diversifying the economy and reducing vulnerability to external shocks.
 Thami Ngubeni spoke to Bernard Ouandji, Former Senior Economist for the United Nations.

SME Feature: Icebolethu Foundation’s eKasi Business Fair and Supplier Development Programme

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