<\/p>\n
These enterprises are particularly significant for women, youth and vulnerable communities, offering flexible opportunities that support inclusive and sustainable economic participation. Their ability to adapt quickly allows them to contribute meaningfully to resilient local economies.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
However, MSMEs continue to face persistent structural challenges. Limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure and difficult operating conditions constrain their growth. A large number operate informally, restricting access to funding, legal protection and government support.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Global pressures are compounding these challenges. Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, political uncertainty, and the impacts of climate change have increased risks for small businesses. At the same time, a substantial global financing gap remains, limiting opportunities for expansion and innovation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Despite these constraints, emerging technologies present new opportunities. Advances in digital tools, artificial intelligence and green innovation offer pathways for MSMEs to improve productivity, expand into new markets and strengthen resilience.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Unlocking these benefits will depend on targeted support. Policymakers are being urged to improve access to finance, develop supportive regulatory frameworks and invest in skills development and innovation. Simplifying business registration and formalisation processes is also seen as critical to integrating more enterprises into the formal economy.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Strengthening partnerships between governments, financial institutions and development organisations is expected to play a key role in supporting small businesses. Expanding access to digital infrastructure and market opportunities is also essential to ensure MSMEs can compete effectively.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Entrepreneurs on the ground highlight both the challenges and opportunities. Phumeza Stuurman, Founder of the Rural Impact Bone Broth project, said operating from a rural base presents logistical hurdles but also new support avenues. \u201cOur business model is that we produce in a rural area, but our clients are in urban areas,\u201d Stuurman said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Stuurman noted that support programmes aimed at improving market access have been beneficial. \u201cI think we have received an advantage that organisations are willing to help rural areas to access markets,\u201d Stuurman said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
–SABC\/ChannelAfrica–<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":38086,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"news-type":[44],"class_list":["post-38085","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","news-type-finance","entry"],"acf":{"short_description":"Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) remain central to economic growth worldwide, accounting for more than 90% of businesses and playing a critical role in job creation, livelihoods and local development.","published_date":"","news_description":"Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) remain central to economic growth worldwide, accounting for more than 90% of businesses and playing a critical role in job creation, livelihoods and local development.","form_embed":"","author":"","image_caption":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/38085","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/38085\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38087,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/38085\/revisions\/38087"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38085"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"news-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-type?post=38085"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}