The R6-million rand small and medium enterprise (SME) Export Incubator was officially launched by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, at the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) head office in Auckland Park, Johannesburg today (Tuesday).
“Currently, 11 incubatees share a business space at the JCCI building and there is space for 35 more to further expand the reach and impact of the project,” said Fay Mukkadam, president of the JCCI.
She pointed out that SMEs provided employment for about 60% of South Africa’s labour force and currently contributed around 34% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). “It is estimated that this sector will soon be contributing over 60% to the total GDP,” said Mukkadam.
Speaking during the launch, Davies noted that it was crucial for South Africa’s ongoing economic growth that its exported products diversified and moved up the value chain. “This can only become a reality if the public and private sectors work together on developing a sustainable and internationally competitive export industry,” he said.
One of the incubatees, Thando Moatshe, managing director of Basadi Tharo Hospitality Services, told FTW Online that being part of the Export Incubator programme had helped her reach her business expansion goals that much faster, and avoid the very costly mistakes exporters often made, especially when targeting other African countries.
“Furthermore, because we share a space, as small businesses we no longer work in isolation. We encourage and support each other and share knowledge and lessons learnt along the way,” said Moatshe.
The SME Export Incubator was jointly launched and funded by Standard Bank, the German government and JCCI. These organisations, along with the Department of Trade and Industry, will provide ongoing training, mentorship, advice and knowledge and skills sharing.
German ambassador to South Africa, Walter Lindner, and Dr Rob Davies share a conversation with one of the incubatees, Thandi GarenaMotse.
