SA's SME Growth Barriers: Finance, Digital Tools, and Market Access Examined

South Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises generate employment and economic activity at scale, yet persistent structural barriers continue to limit their growth. A webinar scheduled for Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at 10am will bring together industry leaders and entrepreneurs to examine those barriers directly, with a focus on finance access, digital tools, and market expansion.

The discussion, hosted by Moneyweb’s Nokukhanya Mntambo, will feature Gabriel Swanepoel, division president for Africa at Mastercard, and Morongwe Mokone, entrepreneur and co-founder of Mo’s Crib. Their conversation will address how South African SMEs can navigate an increasingly digital business landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Finance remains the central obstacle. Financial constraints routinely prevent SMEs from investing in technology, expanding operations, or absorbing economic disruptions. The panelists will examine how digital payments and fintech innovation are reshaping the competitive landscape, and what entrepreneurs must do to strengthen their market position in response.

Digital commerce has opened pathways that did not exist a generation ago. The webinar will explore how SMEs can use online marketplaces to reach customers beyond traditional geographic limits, participate in regional and cross-border trade, and build enterprises capable of withstanding market volatility. These capabilities have become essential as businesses compete in a more connected economy.

Several supporting themes will also be on the table. Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern for businesses operating in digital environments, yet many SMEs lack the resources or expertise to implement robust protections. Building a credible financial track record presents another challenge, as lenders and partners typically require evidence of financial stability before extending credit or forming partnerships. Technology adoption, while important for resilience, demands investment and knowledge that many entrepreneurs struggle to access.

The panelists will stress the importance of collaboration across the broader business ecosystem. Financial institutions, fintech companies, government agencies, and other stakeholders all shape the conditions under which SMEs grow. When these actors coordinate effectively, they can reduce barriers to entry, improve access to capital, and create pathways for businesses to scale.

Swanepoel brings extensive experience in digital commerce and financial inclusion across Africa. At Mastercard, he leads strategy to expand digital payment solutions, strengthen financial inclusion, and accelerate economic growth across the continent. His work involves coordinating with governments, financial institutions, fintechs, merchants, and technology partners to advance secure and innovative payment systems.

Mokone brings a different but equally grounded perspective. As co-founder of Mo’s Crib, she has navigated the practical challenges facing SMEs within South Africa’s evolving business landscape. Her experience building and growing a business offers direct insight into the obstacles entrepreneurs encounter and the strategies that can overcome them.

The webinar is designed for a broad audience: small and medium-sized business owners seeking to improve their operations, business leaders pursuing digital transformation, SMEs looking to improve access to finance, and professionals working in fintech and payments innovation. Anyone interested in building a more resilient and competitive business in South Africa’s digital economy is welcome to attend.

What remains to be seen is whether the collaborative frameworks the panelists advocate, spanning government agencies, financial institutions, and fintech players, can translate into the kind of structural change that moves SME finance access from a persistent problem to a solved one.