The United Kingdom has announced a series of new partnerships and investments aimed at helping small businesses grow, creating jobs, and supporting digital innovation in South Africa.
At the centre of this announcement is a major partnership with Anglo American to strengthen SMEs. This programme is supported by more than R100 million in UK funding. Its goal is to provide South African start-ups with strong business support and better access to capital that can help them grow.
The UK government said the initiative is expected to unlock around R500 million in private-sector investment. It is also expected to create over 4,800 jobs across the country. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the importance of this support for the future of South Africa’s economy and its people.
“Supporting South African SMEs is not just a business investment, it is an investment in communities and livelihoods, by connecting start-ups to capital and expertise, we are helping to build a sustainable pipeline of jobs and innovation,” Starmer said.
This partnership comes at a time when many small businesses in South Africa face challenges such as limited access to finance, technology, and mentorship. The new funding aims to address these issues by helping start-ups become stronger, more competitive, and well-prepared to scale up.
The UK is also increasing its support for South Africa’s fast-growing tech sector. A new partnership with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) will help local tech businesses grow faster. This programme will offer training to help entrepreneurs prepare for investors, provide capital-matching opportunities, and open pathways for start-ups to list on the JSE’s Private Placements Platform and AltX. This will make it easier for young tech companies to find funding and attract investors.
At the same time, the UK is partnering with Telkom to help start-ups use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and expand their businesses. The aim is to help small tech companies build strong, modern, and scalable digital operations that can compete both locally and globally.
By giving start-ups access to new tools, training, and opportunities, the aim is to create long-lasting success in the tech space.
Beyond business and technology, the UK also announced new agreements to support South Africa’s infrastructure development. One important partnership is with Crossrail International, which will help South Africa with its rail reform plans. Through this deal, British engineers and experts will assist in improving the country’s rail network. This support will help prepare the system for new private investment and future upgrades.
Overall, these partnerships show the UK’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s economic growth, innovation, and job creation. The combined efforts aim to strengthen small businesses, boost the tech sector, and improve key infrastructure for long-term development.
siphosethu@vutivibusiness.co.za
