A G20 meeting with representatives from India, held in the Nelson Mandela Metro, emphasised the significance of shaping the future of startups and small business.
Small businesses continue to face systemic challenges such as limited access to finance, markets, skills, and enabling policies. This highlights the urgent need for anticipatory and adaptive strategies to help these enterprises survive, scale, and thrive.
Representatives also discussed the need to inform decision-makers and stakeholders of a shared vision and strategic pathway to build a strong venture capital ecosystem that drives impact across Africa’s digital landscape.
The session also included discussions on strengthening innovation ecosystems through collaboration, capacity building, and digital transformation.
In addition, a representative from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) presented on digital innovation and shared key interventions to support MSMEs in commercializing their innovations.
Elsewhere in the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, the Premier of the Eastern Cape and Nonkqubela Pieters – MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, as well as Babalwa Lobishe, Nelson Mandela Bay’s Metro Executive Mayor, met with business leadership of the area.
The meeting focused on resolving local challenges affecting business competitiveness, including investment in water, sanitation, electricity infrastructure, and improving port logistics, as well as US trade tariffs and their impact on Eastern Cape exports, particularly in the automotive and citrus sectors.
Both government and the Chamber agreed to fast-track interventions that will ensure that the Metro remains an attractive and competitive investment destination.
Mabuyane said “we cannot afford to be complacent in the face of growing economic pressures. Our strength lies in our collective action. This partnership between government and business is critical in unlocking economic opportunities, tackling local challenges, and ensuring our province remains globally competitive.”
Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, said organised business is fully committed to working with government and other stakeholders to retain and attract investment and employment in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Picture: Supplied