The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is today hosting a masterclass focused on empowering Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through digital innovation.
Tuesday’s masterclass is being held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and United National Economic Commission for Africa.
The objective of the masterclass is to equip youth-led SMMEs with practical skills in digital tools for upskilling their business development skills and to also outline opportunities within the e-commerce space for local and export market access.
According to the Deputy Minister of the dtic, Zuko Godlimpi, the masterclass is also being hosted to demonstrate real world applications of digital tools through the testimonials of young founders and alumni of the Capacity Building Programme for Digital Technology Integration in Business and Trade.
“The session will explore how digital tools can unlock new opportunities for SMMEs in the e-commerce space enhancing market access, streamlining operations, and driving growth. Participants will also gain practical insights into leveraging digital platforms, online payment systems, logistics solutions, and digital marketing strategies,” said Godlimpi.
He added that it also places the spotlight government initiatives and support mechanisms aimed at accelerating digital transformation within the SMME sector.
“It is also important to note that the e-commerce landscape in South Africa is experiencing an unprecedented surge. For small businesses, e-commerce has become an essential avenue for scaling up, reaching a broader audience and staying competitive in an evolving market.”
The masterclass takes place on the margins of the Science Forum South Africa.
“One of the most significant benefits of e-commerce for small businesses in South Africa, is access to a wider market. In the past, a shop owner in a small village community in a rural area might have had limited customers.
“Now, with an online store, products can be sold to people across the entire country and even globally,” he said.
The masterclass is preceded by the Science Forum South Africa panel discussion scheduled for Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the CSIR International Convention Centre. – SAnews.gov.za
