BY – Reda Helal:
The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) has announced its support for Africa’s next generation of digital businesses through its strategic partnership with Converge Africa 2026, set to take place from May 4–6 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The event will bring together leaders from e-commerce, fintech, payments, logistics, digital marketing, and cybersecurity to shape the future of digital commerce across the continent.
MSMEs at the Core of Growth
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain the backbone of South Africa’s economy, contributing over 60% of employment, despite ongoing challenges related to market access, funding, and digital integration.
SEDFA emphasized that Africa’s next phase of digital growth will be driven not only by large corporations, but by the innovation and resilience of small businesses.
Comprehensive Support for SMEs
As the official sponsor of the MSME Pavilion, SEDFA aims to:
• Provide financial assistance
• Offer business mentoring and technical training
• Facilitate market access
• Support enterprise development programs
Unlocking Growth Opportunities
Through this initiative, SEDFA will support 10 high-potential SMEs to exhibit at the event, offering:
• Dedicated exhibition space
• Access to over 1,400 attendees from more than 700 organizations
• Direct engagement with investors, partners, and corporate buyers
• Participation in conference sessions and workshops
This creates a direct bridge between emerging businesses and the broader digital commerce ecosystem.
An Integrated Digital Ecosystem
Converge Africa is structured around five key pillars:
• Payments & Fintech
• eCommerce
• Digital Marketing
• Logistics & Fulfilment
• Digital Security
Access to this ecosystem is essential for SMEs seeking to compete and scale in today’s digital economy.
Driving Inclusive Growth
SEDFA highlighted that its partnership reflects a broader ambition to ensure that digital transformation benefits all, not just established players.
The agency stressed that economic development today is not only about access to funding, but about building ecosystems that enable businesses to connect, learn, and grow sustainably.