Seacom, Sentech partner to boost tech SMME growth
Digital infrastructure and services provider Seacom and broadcast and digital services company Sentech have teamed up to provide targeted support for small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa’s telecommunications sector.
With ambitions of advancing the contribution of SMMEs to South Africa’s digital economy, the parties aim to strengthen the SMME ecosystem by providing mentorship, training, funding and access to shared innovation platforms through a landmark 12-month memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Key focus areas to enable enhanced digital inclusion for smaller enterprises include SMME empowerment and inclusion, infrastructure expansion, skills development, content and cloud services and public sector collaboration.
Through the partnership, SMMEs will benefit from targeted enterprise development programmes, improved access to essential infrastructure, personalised mentorship and public events that showcase and promote their innovative solutions.
Further, by leveraging Seacom’s extensive fibre infrastructure with Sentech’s broader service reach, SMMEs will have greater business opportunities in rural and underserved regions, creating more chances for market entry and growth.
The MoU will also enable SMMEs to gain hands-on training in advanced technologies such as fibre, cloud and broadcasting, participate in practical internship exchanges, and access educational resources aimed at increasing digital literacy, particularly in townships.
SMMEs and local content creators will also have access to affordable hosting solutions, enhanced hybrid content delivery options and targeted support in digital migration, making it easier for them to offer new digital services.
In addition, SMMEs can participate in larger joint information and communication technology projects, benefit from coordinated policy advocacy and gain insights from research, enabling them to better understand and leverage new technologies, such as 5G, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.
“We are building a foundation for an inclusive and digital nation. By combining our strengths, this partnership directly addresses SMME challenges and enables broader participation in South Africa’s digital economy, positioning SMMEs at the heart of national growth,” says Seacom South Africa digital services MD Anton Jooste.
The MoU recognises the vital role of SMMEs in driving economic growth, creating jobs and shaping South Africa’s digital future.
SMMEs form about 91% of formal businesses, contribute 34% to GDP and employ 60% of the workforce in South Africa.
Despite this, they continue to face barriers, including high infrastructure costs, skills gaps and regulatory hurdles.
“This strategic partnership aligns with Seacom’s mission to transform the digital economy through inclusive participation and underscores the critical role of SMMEs in driving growth and job creation in South Africa,” Jooste concludes.
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