MSME – India and South Africa Expand Cooperation for Small Business Growth
MSME – India and South Africa have taken steps to deepen cooperation in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, highlighting the importance of small businesses in driving economic expansion, creating jobs, and supporting inclusive growth. The discussions took place during a high-level meeting involving senior officials from both countries, reflecting a mutual interest in strengthening partnerships that can benefit entrepreneurs and businesses on both sides.
Focus on Business Development and Financial Access
The bilateral meeting was held at the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in New Delhi and was chaired by Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. The South African delegation was led by Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, the country’s Minister of Small Business Development. During the discussions, both nations explored several areas where cooperation could be expanded to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Among the key topics discussed were improving access to financial resources for businesses, encouraging the formalisation of enterprises, increasing the adoption of digital technologies, and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems. The leaders also exchanged views on enhancing skill development initiatives aimed at supporting business owners and workers in the MSME sector.
Shared Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Ties
Officials noted that the meeting demonstrated a common commitment to building a supportive environment that enables MSMEs to become more competitive and resilient. Both countries acknowledged that small businesses play a critical role in economic development and that closer cooperation could create new opportunities for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.
The dialogue also underscored the importance of exchanging experiences and policy approaches that have proven successful in addressing challenges faced by small enterprises. Such collaboration is expected to contribute to stronger business networks and improved market opportunities in the future.
BRICS Meeting Highlights Technology Challenges
Separately, India also emphasized the need to address technological disparities affecting small businesses during the second SME Working Group Meeting conducted under the BRICS Partnership on the New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR). Representatives from BRICS member countries participated in the discussions, which focused on the future readiness of MSMEs in an increasingly digital global economy.
Participants stressed that many small businesses continue to face barriers in adopting modern technologies. To overcome these challenges, countries were encouraged to promote wider digital inclusion, strengthen innovation capabilities, and improve technological preparedness among enterprises.
Importance of Innovation and Skill Development
The meeting highlighted the growing need for MSMEs to integrate into regional and global value chains. Delegates agreed that better access to technology and innovation can help businesses improve productivity, expand into new markets, and remain competitive in changing economic conditions.
Another key theme was the importance of workforce development. Member countries discussed strategies to improve skills training and create stronger innovation ecosystems that can support entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. Enhanced cooperation in these areas was viewed as essential for long-term economic resilience.
Building Competitive MSME Ecosystems
The deliberations provided an opportunity for participating countries to exchange policy experiences and best practices while addressing common development challenges. Officials concluded that stronger collaboration among BRICS economies can play a significant role in building more inclusive, adaptable, and globally competitive MSME sectors.
The discussions reaffirmed a collective commitment to supporting small businesses through technology access, innovation-driven growth, and skill enhancement initiatives. As economies continue to evolve, MSMEs remain central to employment generation and sustainable economic progress across both bilateral and multilateral partnerships