Any further increase in interest rates would raise repayment costs for SMEs using overdrafts

For SMEs operating within manufacturing-linked industries, the downturn is already translating into weaker demand and increasing cost pressure

Government has renewed its focus on expanding SME funding, but persistent barriers continue to limit access, raising questions about whether...

Unreliable electricity disrupts production, poor roads affect logistics and deliveries, and unsafe trading environments limit trading hours and customer access

South Africa’s investment strategy is entering a more demanding phase, with government placing increasing emphasis on execution

What remains uncertain is whether these commitments will translate into meaningful participation across the economy

Many SMEs are already navigating rising input costs, delayed payments and uneven demand

The extent to which SMEs benefit from the infrastructure push will depend heavily on procurement practices

The government has identified SME development as a key component of industrialisation

The adoption of biometric identity solutions among SMEs is likely to face practical barriers