Building inclusive SME growth in South Africa

This webinar takes place on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 11am.

Register here

South Africa’s township economy is a significant but often underrepresented part of the country’s broader economy, supporting livelihoods, creating jobs and driving economic activity in local communities.

Estimated to be worth more than R900 billion a year, it represents a significant opportunity for inclusive economic growth.

In this insightful webinar, Moneyweb’s Jimmy Moyaha is joined by Mastercard’s Shabir Ahmed, senior vice president and customer solutions centre lead, Africa, and Eben de Jongh, founder of Sonke Sales Solutions, to explore how township businesses and other SMEs can overcome barriers to growth and unlock new opportunities.

The discussion will examine the key challenges facing township entrepreneurs, including access to finance, markets, digital tools and business networks, and how these barriers can be addressed to support sustainable growth.

The panel will also look at how digital payments, e-commerce and technology can help SMEs improve their operations, reach new customers and participate more fully in the digital economy.

Financial inclusion and collaboration will be central themes, with a focus on how partnerships between businesses, financial institutions, government, fintechs and other ecosystem players can create stronger support networks for entrepreneurs.

The session will further consider the importance of mentorship, digital skills and business education in helping township SMEs build resilience, scale their operations and contribute to broader economic growth.

Who should attend?

Small and medium-sized business owners and entrepreneurs;
Township and community-based businesses looking to grow;
SMEs seeking access to finance, digital tools and new markets;
Entrepreneurs interested in digital payments and e-commerce;
Professionals interested in financial inclusion and inclusive economic growth; and
Anyone interested in the opportunities and challenges facing South Africa’s township economy.

This webinar will provide practical insights into how digital innovation, financial inclusion, partnerships and stronger business ecosystems can help township SMEs overcome barriers, unlock new opportunities and build sustainable businesses.

Register here

More on the guests:

Shabir Ahmed
Senior vice president and customer solutions centre lead, Africa, Mastercard

Ahmed is a senior South African payments executive with over 20 years’ experience in finance, operations and industry strategy. As an executive member of an EFT Product House, he leads ACH clearing and settlement, disputes, business support, fraud, and interbank engagement. A former FNB Merchant Services executive and PASA clearing-house chair, he brings deep regulatory, industry and payments expertise, including advisory experience with Mastercard and the South African Reserve Bank.

Eben de Jongh
Founder – Sonke Sales Solutions

De Jongh is the Founder and CEO of Sonke Retail, creators of SKUBU, the world’s first automated refill store, revolutionising access to affordable household essentials. A former leader in Logistics, Factory and Project Management at Unilever South Africa, De Jongh combines deep FMCG expertise with an entrepreneurial drive to solve real-world challenges. An industrial engineer with an International MBA from IE Business School, he is passionate about building commercially viable businesses that deliver meaningful social impact. Through SKUBU, De Jongh is reshaping retail by making everyday products more affordable while reducing packaging waste, proving that innovation can create both business value and positive change.

Brought to you by Mastercard.

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