Twenty SMEs in the tourism sector are set to benefit from an incubation program by the SA National Parks (SanParks) in the Eastern Cape.
The province is home to rich wildlife, forests, coastlines, and marine resources, yet local communities have often struggled to turn these assets into sustainable livelihoods.
South African National Parks (SANParks) is addressing this through the Greater Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node (GAABEN), with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF 7).
The initiative has launched an 18-month SME incubation programme to empower biodiversity-based businesses, promote sustainable development, and enhance local natural assets.
“Our biodiversity is one of South Africa’s most valuable assets. By supporting entrepreneurs who build businesses around it, we are ensuring both environmental sustainability and economic growth,” SANParks noted in a statement.
Indalo Inclusive South Africa, a non-profit specialising in eco-inclusive entrepreneurship, will provide mentorship, training workshops, technical support, and provisional grant funding. Only 20 small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) will be selected across five sectors: eco-tourism, wildlife, forestry, marine, and bioprospecting.
“Our approach is to combine conservation with inclusive business development. These SMMEs are not just being trained in business skills; they are also taught how to operate in harmony with the ecosystems that sustain them.”
To be eligible, enterprises must be based in or serve communities within the Addo-Amathole Biodiversity Economy Node. Applications are open online until tomorrow, Friday, 5 September 2025.
Municipalities included are Amahlathi, Buffalo City Metro, Makana, Ngqushwa, Raymond Mhlaba, Sundays River, Ndlambe, Blue Crane, and Nelson Mandela Bay. Businesses are expected to deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits, with the potential to create sustainable local jobs.
Entrepreneurs preparing their applications are already expressing optimism about the opportunity.
Ayanda Mjoli, who plans to start a sustainable seaweed farming venture in Port Alfred, expressed her programme interests.
“I’m excited about this programme. It gives me hope that I can turn my idea into a business that feeds people, creates jobs, and protects our oceans.”
In Amathole, Mziwoxolo Dikana, planning a community wildlife enterprise, shared his optimism.
“This incubation programme is a chance for us to benefit as custodians of our land and wildlife. I’m looking forward to learning how to grow a sustainable business that also protects biodiversity.”
Eco-tourism entrepreneur Noluthando Tetyana said she sees this as an incredible opportunity to develop her business responsibly while safeguarding forests and cultural heritage.
“I’m eager to get started once the programme begins.”
The programme also places emphasis on inclusivity.
Women, youth-led businesses, and entrepreneurs living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants must commit to sustainability principles and to participating fully in the 18-month incubation period
The call coincides with SANParks’ inaugural Vision 2040 Indaba in Gqeberha from 3 to 5 September, which will bring together government, communities, academia, civil society, and private sector partners to advance a people-centred, conservation-driven strategy linking biodiversity protection with social justice and economic empowerment.
Azwi@vutivibusiness.co.za
